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Objectives and Attendance

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Nicole Font Guedes @SPHERE Community • 30 April 2026

Objectives of the study visit 

  • Explore approaches to institutional transformation in universities and its connection to societal needs, solutions and impact.

  • Reflect on the shift from teaching to learning and exchange practices that support student centred, inclusive and inspiring learning environments leading to an improvement of study outcomes.

  • Gain insight into the design of future-oriented, motivating STEM curricula that fosters future skills such as mastering and using AI technologies.

  • Reflect on the role and value of industry collaboration and cooperation for improving the relevance, impact, and quality of higher education, especially in preparing students for complex real-world challenges.

  • Explore the potential of integrating Challenge-Based Learning and immersive and digital technologies (e.g. AR/VR) in curriculum and teaching practice to enrich learning opportunities.

Attendance 

The study visit was attended by 40 participants, consisting of 28 HEREs from 18 countries. Additionally, there were SPHERE team members, two representatives of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) and local speakers, representing  TH Köln. The HERE members had different profiles, including rectors, vice-rectors, ministry representatives, heads of Quality Assurance departments and International Relations units, etc.