On October 1, 2025, the QuiS theme day “Focus on Collaboration: Networks and Methods for University Development” took place on the Giessen campus of the Technical University of Mittelhessen (THM).
The event, aimed at QuiS (sub-)project coordinators, HessenHub sub-project coordinators, and staff from Hesse's 14 universities, offered a diverse program that participants praised as extremely enriching and diverse. The QuiS networking concept was strengthened, and in addition to the engaging content, there was 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 the Technical University of Munich (THM), Dr. Clemens Bohrer of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HMWK), and moderator Prof. Dr. Claudia Schmeink. "For academic success to be achieved, many people have to work together and the right conditions must be created. The QuiS funding program has resulted in many exciting projects in recent years. Sharing project results within the QuiS network of Hessian universities is good and important," emphasized Dr. Clemens Bohrer of the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture.
In the opening keynote speech, 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 speech by Dr. Bror Giesenbauer from the University of Bremen on networking for sustainable development at universities. In his remarks on the four network types and their metaphors, he shed more light on the term "network," which was repeatedly referred to by participants throughout the rest of the day. In the presentation by Prof. Dr. Philipp Pohlenz from the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, networks were examined from the perspective of the NetKoop joint project, and he added further verifiable aspects to the discussion by presenting the results of the scientific study.
What all the presentations had in common was that they offered valuable insights and inspiration for networking beyond Hesse's borders. The subsequent panel discussion explored the topics in more depth and provided a lively exchange on the experiences and successes of the QuiS and HessenHub networks to date.
The lessons learned session in the afternoon offered a review of experiences and future challenges, as well as the status of cross-university and internal networks that have formed during the QuiS project funding phase since 2021. After 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 valuable methodological inspiration for implementation at their respective universities.
An emotional highlight was the closing artistic impulse by sand painting world champion Iryna Chaplin, who summed up the day in an inspiring way. Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at THM, concluded the event by thanking everyone involved and remarked in her outlook, "Hessian universities will continue to work together. The idea of the network will endure."
The positive response and the engaged exchange demonstrated that the QuiS theme day represents a valuable platform for networking, learning, and creative idea generation in the field of higher education 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 | Arrival, networking & exchange | |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | greeting | Prof. Dr. Stephanie Hanrath (THM) Dr. Clemens Bohrer (HMWK) Prof. Dr. Claudia Schmeink (Moderation) |
| 9:45 – 10:15 | Opening impulse | Growth Mindset – Key to successful networks in times of transformation Rene Müller |
| 10:15 – 10:45 | Keynote | Networking on 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 joint project NetKoop 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 and within universities) |
| 13:45 – 14:30 | Coffee break with networking live! | Exchange in theme islands: AI & Digitalization, Flexible Studying, Internationalization, Teacher Training, Study Orientation & Entry |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Tools for Tomorrow | Collaboration/Innovation Methods Introductory lecture (15 min) + 4 parallel workshops (60 min) |
| 16:00 – 16:20 | Final impulse | 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 in a higher education context for identifying student and stakeholder needs and developing tailored services. The result: prototypes that can be quickly tested and improved.
Workshop 2: Scrum
Agile project management method with clear roles, short sprints, and a transparent backlog. Suitable for cross-university networks, it enables structured, prioritized, and adaptable implementation of work packages. It promotes regular communication and rapid response to changes.
Workshop 3: Blue Ocean Strategy
A strategic approach that taps into new, previously untapped areas of demand.
It can be used in higher education to develop innovative offerings that clearly differentiate themselves from existing formats—e.g., in student recruitment or continuing education. The core tool: the ERRC plan (Eliminate, Reduce, Raise, Create).
Workshop 4: Effectuation
A logic of action for uncertain frameworks that
starts with existing resources. Perfect for universities and networks that
want to advance collaborations and projects with tight budgets. It uses principles such as "Bird in Hand" (what's there?) and "Crazy Quilt" (building partnerships).
available
on the QuiS Network Universities (Intrawiki, internal area) Link to the Intrawiki page
Impressions of the conference
Contact person in
Christina Neumann , QuiS service point, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen