Academic Delegation to University of Kassel, Germany

Date

18/06/2023 - 12:00

Summary

Academic Delegation from Bar-Ilan University to University of Kassel, Germany

June 18-23, 2023

Delegates: Dr. Annette Bamberger, Dr. Iris BenDavid-Hadar, Dr. Pascale Benoliel, and Dr. Ela Luria

A delegation of three faculty members and a postdoctoral researcher from the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Organizational Development Department in the Faculty of Education at Bar-Ilan University, led by Prof. Zehavit Gross, embarked on a visit to the University of Kassel in Germany. The purpose of their visit was to strengthen collaborative ties with their academic counterparts and the leadership of the University of Kassel.

During their visit, the delegation had a comprehensive agenda that included meetings with key figures such as the President, Prof. Ute Clement, Prof. Guido Bunstorf of the Executive Board of INCHER, Dr. Randolf Oberschmidt, the Head of the Internationalization Department [Photo 1] and Dr. Sylke Ernst, the Head of the Equality Unit at the University of Kassel [Photo 2]. Additionally, they established connections with senior academics from various programs, notably Prof. Elisabeth Tuider, head of the Sociology of Diversity program [Photo 3].

A highlight of the visit was the active participation of the delegation in an international research workshop, organized by Prof. Georg Krucken, Spokesman of the Executive Board of the renowned International Center for Higher Education Studies (INCHER), at University of Kassel [Photo 4]. At this workshop, researchers from both universities showcased their research and respective interests for collaboration in several areas, including innovation and entrepreneurship; internationalization; education policy and governance; multiculturalism; diversity, equity, inclusion; and education finance. Concrete opportunities for future research collaboration were discussed extensively, indicating a strong commitment to continuing joint work on these topics in the future. Rounding out the visit, the delegation was invited by the founder and previous head of INCHER, Prof. Ulrich Teichler, to discuss opportunities to establish a pioneering research center in the field in Israel [Photo 5].

Moreover, the visit aimed to lay the groundwork for a profound international partnership between the two universities, identifying immediate action areas and long-term prospects for collaboration in research and teaching.

Overall, this visit served as a valuable platform for establishing lasting connections, fostering mutual growth, and paving the way for a fruitful and enduring academic alliance between Bar-Ilan University and the University of Kassel.

Funding for the delegation was generously provided by the European Union, Erasmus+ program.