8. International Week at HSBI: International Guests Bring Fresh Perspectives to Bielefeld

Bielefeld (HSBI). For a week, HSBI will again be a hub for international science, research, teaching and transfer: from 18 to 22 May, about 90 lecturers, researchers and industry guests from 36 countries are shaping a varied programme of intercultural presentations, workshops and courses for HSBI’s eighth International Week. Guests from Iceland, Namibia, Kazakhstan and many other countries bring in their professional and cultural perspectives and their expertise at HSBI’s faculties and locations. With just under 100 activities, this year’s programme has set a new record.

Opening the event, Judith Peltz, Vice President International Affairs, bid the international guests welcome at HSBI: “Science and research are innately international. We at HSBI are convinced that they can only truly develop through exchanges such as during our International Week.”

From design school to piano concert

The International Week showcases the diversity of international university cooperation and also addresses topics of great social and scientific relevance. The programme comprises activities from design and culture to health promotion and the importance of academic freedom.

Thus a two-day design workshop explores the question of how creative education can be made more open, collaborative and more closely linked to public spaces. Participants develop ideas together for a “design school” and develop approaches to new forms of knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer. On the second day, the design school is presented on HSBI’s main hallway, inviting visitors to get involved and share their thoughts.

A course on health promotion for children and young people takes a job-oriented approach: students visit the Baumheide leisure centre in Bielefeld together with international guests, exploring local initiatives aimed at prevention and health promotion among young people.

Cultural and historical topics were also included in the programme: a piano concert explores the life and work of composer Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn, whose works have historically received little attention due to gender-based prejudices.

In addition, a lecture entitled “Truth Matters” explores the importance of academic freedom in an increasingly uncertain global environment. The occasion marks the 25th anniversary of the international network “Scholars at Risk”, operating at global level to protect academics under threat and promote academic freedom. HSBI is one of its members.

BiCAB conference addresses knowledge transfer

As part of the International Week, the “Bielefeld International Conference on Applied Business (BiCAB)” will again be hosted by Bielefeld School of Business. On 22 May, the conference will explore new approaches to the transfer of knowledge, ideas and technology as the driving force for social change. It will also highlight how successful transfer can have an economic, social and cultural impact.

Taking an international perspective, participants will discuss different transfer models and best practices, existing challenges and the question of how universities and the academic community can create tangible added value for society in the long run.

A chance for meeting and exchanging ideas

Besides academic events, the International Week offers plenty of opportunities for personal encounter: international students showcase their home countries along HSBI’s main hallway, chatting with interested visitors and treating them to culinary specialities. In addition, the International Office will provide advice on stays abroad and organise a networking café.

The annual International Week, organised by Katharina Kontowski and Maximilian Köster from HSBI’s International Office, offers its participants a platform for intercultural and international exchange. What’s special about this is that the guests’ sessions take place as part of their HSBI colleagues’ regular courses. They are thus an integral part of the curriculum, which means that students benefit directly from the international teaching and research perspectives. (abo)

For more photo material, please contact presse@hsbi.de.