Panel Discussion
Unleashing the Power of European Universities
Date Thursday, Nov 23 Time –
The emergence of "umbrella universities" in Europe has led to a paradigm shift in the higher education landscape, with a focus on interconnecting all institutions. Is your institution a member of a European University Alliance as well? Automated real-time exchange of data and joint course displays are just some of the criteria that alliance members need to fulfil. This does not just affect leadership or an IT department’s activities, but impacts all students and education professionals too.
Our panel will discuss collaborative efforts that are being undertaken on a European level to establish common standards, coordinate activities, and foster cross-sector cooperation. Experts will share recommendations and best practices.
Key takeaways include understanding the paradigm shift and the role of European University Alliances, insight into interoperability challenges, such as data exchange, student privacy and integration of diverse systems.
Channa van der Brug
International Affairs Programme Manager, Hochschulforum Digitalisierung for Stifterverband, Germany
Channa van der Brug is the International Affairs Programme Manager at Hochschulforum Digitalisierung and also supports the European Commission’s Digital Education Hub for Stifterverband. She has more than 20 years of experience in the education sector and a passion for the role of technology in shaping the future of education. Her main focus is on facilitating international exchanges of effective digital teaching and learning practices. She is particularly keen on empowering students and leveraging the influence of European university alliances as catalysts for educational innovation and change.
Stifterverband is a joint initiative of companies and foundations with around 3,000 members – from DAX companies to SMEs to associations, donors and private individuals. It is devoted to consulting, networking and promoting improvements the fields of education, science and innovation. Hochschulforum Digitalisierung, the German Forum for Higher Education in the Digital Age, was founded in 2014 and supports universities in shaping the digital transformation. It is a joint initiative of Stifterverband, the CHE Centre for Higher Education Development and the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Evelien Renders
Adviser International Education, SURF, Netherlands
Evelien Renders facilitates international collaboration in higher education at SURF, the cooperative organisation for IT in Dutch education and research. Complex processes, manageable data, and interoperability between systems make her happy. She keeps track of international developments in student mobility and other logistical processes. In doing so, she contributes to flexible and agile education, both in the Netherlands and abroad. With a commitment to public values and open standards, Evelien advocates for communication, trust, and collaboration between IT stakeholders in higher education.
Bettina Benzinger
Senior Consultant, Deloitte
Moderator
Stéphanie Oberheidt
European Digital Education Hub Lead, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Germany