On October 1, 2025, the QuiS service center invites you to an exciting themed day.
With the title “Collaboration in Focus: Networks and Methods for University Development”, the event is aimed at QuiS (sub-)project coordinators/project participants, HessenHub sub-project coordinators/project participants, as well as other employees of the 14 Hessian universities who would like to learn more about successful network management.
Program highlights
- External presentations sharing experiences on networks, success factors and challenges of alliances beyond Hesse, followed by discussion rounds.
- Opportunity to exchange information about Hesse-wide, inter-university networks, including QuiS, HessenHub and projects such as SaG, HessenTechnikum and fuels.
- Workshops on collaboration and innovation methods, offering methodological and content-related impulses for the participants.
Look forward to a diverse program and the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from all Hessian universities.
Program details
| Time | Program item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Arrive, network & exchange | |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | greeting | Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath (THM) Dr. Kerstin Schulmeyer-Ahl (HMWK) Prof. Dr. Claudia Schmeink (Moderator) |
| 9:45 – 10:15 | Opening impulse | Growth Mindset – Key to Successful Networks in Times of Transformation Rene Müller |
| 10:15 – 10:45 | Keynote | Networking for Sustainable Development at Universities: HOCH-N as a network and collaboration platform Dr. Bror Giesenbauer (University of Bremen) |
| 10:45 – 11:15 | Speech | Networks: Perspectives from the NetKoop collaborative project Prof. Dr. Pohlenz (HoF, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg) |
| 11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee break | |
| 11:30 – 12:15 | Panel discussion / Plenary discussion | |
| 12:15 – 13:00 | Lunch break | |
| 13:00 – 13:45 | Lessons Learned | What was? What remains? What's to come? QuiS networks, HessenHub and collaborative projects report on their experiences (across universities & within universities) |
| 13:45 – 14:30 | Coffee break with live networking! | Exchange in themed areas: AI & Digitalization, Flexible Studying, Internationalization, Teacher Training, Study Orientation & Entry |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Tools for Tomorrow | Collaboration/Innovation Methods: Introductory presentation (15 min) + 4 parallel workshops (60 min) |
| 16:00 – 16:20 | Closing remarks | Summary of the day – Sand painting: Iryna Chaplin, World Champion of Sand Painting |
| 16:20 – 16:30 | Outlook, thanks and farewell |
The foyer will remain open for further discussion until 6:00 PM after the program has ended.
Workshop 1: Design Thinking
A user-centered innovation method that solves complex problems in iterative steps. Ideal for the university context to identify student and stakeholder needs and develop tailored services based on them. The result: prototypes that can be quickly tested and improved.
Workshop 2: Scrum
Agile project management method with clearly defined roles, short sprints, and a transparent backlog. Suitable for inter-university networks to implement work packages in a structured, prioritized, and adaptable manner. Promotes regular communication and rapid responses to changes.
Workshop 3: Blue Ocean Strategy
A strategic approach that taps into new, previously untapped demand areas. In
higher education, it can be used to develop innovative offerings that clearly differ from existing formats – for example, in student recruitment or continuing education. The core tool is the ERRC plan (Eliminate, Reduce, Raise, Create).
Workshop 4: Effectuation
A logic for action in uncertain environments,
starting with existing resources. Perfect for universities and networks that
want to advance collaborations and projects with limited budgets. Utilizes principles such as "Bird in Hand" (what's available?) and "Crazy Quilt" (building partnerships).
Participation is free. Note: Workshop places are limited.
Do you have any questions or need further information? Please feel free to contact us!
We look forward to an exciting event and your participation!
The QuiS theme day will take place in building A20 on the Gießen campus of THM.
Directions and campus map
Contact:
Christina Neumann , QuiS Service Center