The University of Göttingen receives European award for innovation in internationalisation
The University of Göttingen has received the “Institutional Award for Innovation in Internationalisation 2015” from the European Association for International Education (EAIE). This European prize rewards higher education institutions who have an outstanding internationalisation strategy and are forging innovative pathways in internationalisation.
The international awards committee found that the University has developed and implemented an outstanding and comprehensive internationalisation strategy in the past years, whilst at the same time, showing an understanding of internationalisation as a cross-sectional mission. What particularly impressed the awards committee was the university’s internationalisation strategy that envisions internationalisation as a mutual task of the entire Göttingen Campus, the university’s close affiliation with the seven excellent non-university research institutions at the location along with its regional economic partners to be expanded in the coming years. The development of the currently benchmarked welcoming culture promoted by a joint Welcome Centre plays a special role, but also the further internationalisation of all curricula. The aim of this is to create the innovative brand “Göttingen University: Education for a Global World”.
“The internationalisation of our University serves society in general as well as science in particular,” explains Professor Hiltraud Casper-Hehne, Vice-President for International Affairs at Göttingen University. “We cannot cope with global challenges like climate change, demographic trends or fight the war on poverty without internationally networked research and activities. Moreover, students will be optimally prepared for their future tasks and responsibilities in a globalised world by means of internationally aligned teaching, collaborative work with international students and challenging academic fellowships abroad.”
For University President Professor Ulrike Beisiegel, this award also reflects the success of her strategic decision to create a separate section for internationalisation within the Presidential Board. “This is the only way to implement such innovative work in a strategic, focused and professional manner,” emphasises the President. “My thanks go to our Vice President Professor Casper-Hehne for her excellent commitment and to the International Office for their professional work.”
“The success reflected in this award has also been achieved on the merits of the many staff members at our university – professors, employees and students – who have shown a dedicated conviction to internationalisation;” adds Professor Casper-Hehne. “Not least, our appreciation extends to our excellent and trusting partners, not only at the Göttingen Campus, but also abroad, without whom we would not have been as successful as we are today.”