Through a mix of plenary and parallel sessions, the 2019 EQAF, entitled ‘Supporting societal engagement of higher education’, will combine practice-oriented or research-based discussions that will take place in the paper sessions and workshops with presentations of current developments in quality assurance. The Forum provides an opportunity for participants to update their knowledge and extend their professional development.

Societal demands on higher education are changing and becoming more complex. Higher education institutions need to foster academic excellence in research, drive innovation and ensure through high-quality teaching that graduates have the knowledge and skills that prepare them for their future careers and role as active citizens. To do this successfully, institutions are expected to engage internal and external stakeholders, and entertain partnerships with industry actors, their local and regional environment, and often in collaboration with other higher education institutions. This year’s EQAF will explore how external and internal QA processes can support engaged higher education institutions in developing activities that meet the expectations and needs of all stakeholders and demonstrate their value to society.

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About TU Berlin

With almost 34 000 students, circa 100 course offerings and 40 institutes, the historic Technische Universität Berlin is one of Germany’s largest and most internationally renowned technical universities. Located in Germany’s capital city – at the heart of Europe – outstanding achievements in research and teaching, imparting skills to excellent graduates, and a modern service-oriented administration characterise TU Berlin.

The range of services offered by our seven faculties serves to forge a unique link between the natural and technical sciences on the one hand, and the planning, economics and social sciences and humanities on the other. This is indeed a significant achievement for any technical university.

The roots of the Technische Universität Berlin and predecessor institutions date back to the time of Frederick the Great. These included important educational establishments of the Prussian State such as the Königliche Bergakademie zu Berlin (Royal Mining Academy) established in 1770, the Königliche Bauakademie zu Berlin (Royal Building Academy) founded in 1799, and the Königliche Gewerbeakademie zu Berlin (Royal Trade Academy), which opened its doors in 1827. The Königlich Technische Universität zu Berlin (Royal Technical Academy) arose in 1879 through a merger of the Royal Trade and Building Academies. The architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, whose structures even today adorn Berlin’s cityscape, and Christian W. Beuth, the “Father of Engineering”, were instrumental in establishing these institutions.

The University played a pivotal role in Berlin’s ascent to one of Europe’s most important industrial cities. The TH zu Berlin became the “intellectual nucleus of a much envied model and focal point of technical progress”, as stated by the Association of German Engineers in 1906. Into the 1930s, numerous Nobel Prize winners studied and taught at the University, for instance the chemists Carl Bosch and Fritz Haber, and physicists Gustav Hertz, Eugene Paul Wigner, Wolfgang Paul, George de Hevesy, Dennis Gabor and Ernst Ruska.

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About  Berlin

Berlin is unique. This 3.5-million metropolis in the heart of Europe stands for innovation and new ideas, lived freedom, and creating tomorrow’s future today. It attracts people from around the world – a place which international politicians, renowned scientists and scholars, and successful artists all call home. Berlin can look back on a chequered history, even in the recent past. Yet today Germany’s capital city has reinvented itself, and is now a world city with an inimitable feeling for life.

With famous museums and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a lively international art scene and trendy shopping districts, this is a place to stroll and explore. Berlin’s nightlife is also a living legend: clubs, bars and discos with no official closing time. Creativity and inspiration are vibrantly alive at this former East-West interface, and freedom and tolerance a lived reality.

The main campus of the conference venue – Technische Universität Berlin – is in walking distance to some of the most popular sights of Berlin like Siegessäule, Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. Due to its central location, the vicinity of TU Berlin offers many hotels, restaurants with dishes from all over the world, cinemas, museums, bars, and pubs with music and dancing.

Organisers

© visitBerlin, Photo: Wolfgang Scholvien