The most inspiring higher education event on digital transformation returns! The University:Future Festival will take place from November 2 to 4, 2021 with the theme “Open for Discussion” – hosted by Hochschulforum Digitalisierung (HFD) in partnership with Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre (StIL).

Over the course of three days in November, more than a thousand people will come together digitally to discuss topics such as hybrid learning, diversity, artificial intelligence and Future Skills. The festival is intended for everyone who is concerned with the present and future of academic education: Teachers and students; activists and representatives from politics and administration; civil society and university employees; artists and scientists; EdTech founders and journalists. The festival will be held in English and German. The content of the program is based on submissions from the community. The Call for Participation and the registration started on July 21 and ends on September 17. The participation in the festival is free of charge.

Information and tickets are available on the website of the University:Future Festival.

The Festival

The theme of the University:Future Festival 2021 is: Open for discussion. This motto represents openness, accessibility, discourse – and the opportunity to explore the future together. The program is mainly based on submissions from our community.

On November 2, the festival will kick off with Demo:Day, which is directed at anyone interested in technical innovations. Visitors can explore innovative EdTech ideas and tools and get to know the people behind them. The BarCamp:Day will also take place on November 2. In the BarCamp format, impromptu discussion contributions will also find their place.

On November 3, the Conference:Day will feature speakers from Germany and around the world who will present their insights and experiences. Last year’s confirmed speakers included Federal Minister Anja Karliczek, EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel and Riel Miller from UNESCO. If conditions allow, we will welcome a limited studio audience for Conference:Day.

The festival will end on November 4 with Workshops:Day, which will create space for longer and more interactive formats.

Call for Participation

From July 21 to September 17, all interested parties can participate in the program call of the University:Future Festival. We are looking for contributions which reveal surprising insights, which convey practical experience and applied knowledge, presented in a manner that is eye-opening, exciting and entertaining.

The following tracks are planned

1. Campus – the track on spaces, administration and participation
2. Data – the track on digital sovereignty, standards, data protection and legal issues
3. Inclusivity – the track on diversity and accessibility
4. Lead – the track on strategy and leadership
5. Learn – the track on teaching and learning
6. Skills – the track on skills and qualification
7. AI – the track on artificial intelligence
8. Vision – the track for vision and sustainability

The AI Track is organized in partnership with AI Campus, the learning platform for Artificial Intelligence.

You can find more information here: https://festival.hfd.digital/en/