A further University Development Plan is being formulated this year, which will apply from 2027. What is familiar and what is new about it?
Once again, we would like our University Development Plan to be based on broad participation and bring together multiple perspectives, whereby we will define focuses and set priorities. We are consciously taking a different approach to the text and its development. The new HEP will be much more compact than previous versions: Instead of many individual measures, there will be a handful of clear orientation guidelines and associated flagship projects. There will no longer be a separate section for each performance dimension. Instead, they will be included in the “Teaching, Research and Transfer” sections.
Is there a key topic?
Yes – the question of how to make studies and teaching at HHU fit for the future is at the core of the plan. There is a greater focus on teaching to ensure it has equal standing with research. We are assuming a pioneering role in Germany with this positioning. We will ask ourselves about the best way to develop curricula further, how we can best support students through to the end of their studies, which teaching concepts are sustainable in view of digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and how the roles and competences of teaching staff can be enhanced. Future skills, knowledge above and beyond specific subjects, interdisciplinarity and internationality are also part of the remit.
In research and transfer, we will look at continuous quality improvement, acquisition of third-party funding and collaborative projects, which enhance profile development. For example, we want to expand partnerships further, support collaborative projects from a very early stage and – in times of intense competition – together develop a calm attitude and constructive approach to proposals, which are (initially) rejected.
What is the timeframe for this?
The process comprises several related steps, which will begin in February and result in a cohesive draft by the end of the year. The details for individual formats still need to be defined. Where further discussion is required or there is a desire to go into greater detail during the process, it can be adapted. I wish us all the courage to look at things from a different perspective, as this plan is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the current status, develop the future together and embark an open and inspiring discussion process.
Contact for questions and comments: Dr Laura Bartylla, referentin.rektorin(at)hhu.de