On October 1, 2025, the QuiS theme day “Collaboration in Focus: Networks and Methods for University Development” took place on the Gießen campus of the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM).
Video impressions of the QuiS network day
The event, aimed at QuiS (sub-)project coordinators, HessenHub sub-project coordinators, and staff from the 14 Hessian universities, offered a diverse program that was praised by participants as extremely enriching and varied. The networking aspect of QuiS was strengthened, and in addition to the engaging content, there was ample time for personal discussions and exchange.
The day began with an open networking breakfast, followed by a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath of THM, Dr. Clemens Bohrer of HMWK, and moderator Prof. Dr. Claudia Schmeink. "For students to succeed academically, many people must work together and the right conditions must be created. The QuiS funding program has led to many exciting projects in recent years. Exchanging information about project results within the QuiS network of Hessian universities is valuable and important," affirmed Dr. Clemens Bohrer of the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture.
In his opening remarks, Rene Müller emphasized the importance of a growth mindset as the key to successful networks in times of transformation and conducted a clear, practical "QuiS Network Check" using barrier tape. Particular highlights of the day included the keynote address by Dr. Bror Giesenbauer from the University of Bremen on networking for sustainable development at universities. In his presentation on the four network types and their metaphors, he shed light on the concept of a network, a point repeatedly referenced by participants throughout the day. In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Philipp Pohlenz from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg examined networks from the perspective of the NetKoop collaborative project and added further, verifiable aspects to the discussion through the results of the scientific study.
All the presentations shared the common feature of offering valuable insights and inspiration for networking beyond the borders of Hesse. The subsequent panel discussion explored these topics in greater depth and provided a lively exchange about the experiences and successes of the QuiS and HessenHub networks.
The afternoon's Lessons Learned session offered a review of experiences and future challenges, as well as an update on the status of inter-university and intra-university networks that have developed during the QuiS project funding phase since 2021. Following an intensive exchange, participants were able to familiarize themselves with collaboration and innovation methods in various workshops. The workshops on Design Thinking, Scrum, Blue Ocean Strategy, and Effectuation provided participants with valuable methodological insights for implementation at their respective universities.
An emotional highlight was the artistic closing presentation by world champion sand painter Iryna Chaplin, which provided an inspiring summary of the day. Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath, Vice President for Academic Affairs at THM, concluded the event by thanking all participants and remarked in her outlook, "The Hessian universities will continue to collaborate. The concept of the network will endure."
The positive feedback and the engaged exchange showed that the QuiS theme day represents a valuable platform for networking, learning and creative idea generation in the field of university development.
We thank everyone involved and look forward to more inspiring events in the future!
Review of the program and workshops
| Time | Program item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Arrive, network & exchange | |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | greeting | Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath (THM) Dr. Clemens Bohrer (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 (Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg) |
| 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 |
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).
available
in the QuiS Network of Universities (Intrawiki, internal area) Link to the Intrawiki page
Impressions of the conference
Contact person in
Christina Neumann , QuiS service point, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen