The Future of the University: Global, Sustainable and Inclusive.

19th Annual Conference of the Society for Higher Education Research (GfHf)
23-25 September 2024 at the FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany

This year's annual conference of the Society for Higher Education Research (GfHf) is being organised by the FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany, in cooperation with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and will take place both on site in Hagen and online.

The theme of the conference aims to encourage participants to consider the future of universities within the context of globalisation, sustainability and inclusion. This includes a critical review of how universities are currently positioning themselves in these areas. In addition, it is important not only to react to existing challenges, but also to proactively explore design options and develop visions. Universities are undoubtedly key global players in shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.

These topics will not only shape the programme, but are also reflected in the concept of the conference. The cooperation of UNISA, one of the largest distance learning universities in the world, will bring a global perspective to the conference. A mixture of German and English-language contributions and formats is planned, which will be offered online, hybrid and on-site. Future-orientation will also be practised in the formats themselves, such as in the "FutureLab", where concepts can be worked on together or visions can be developed cooperatively.

By offering the opportunity to take part in the entire conference online in either German or English, we hope to fulfill our commitment to sustainability and inclusion.