Hybrid IU Symposium in Cologne: Future of Health & Care
The healthcare system is facing profound structural changes. At the upcoming hybrid 3rd IU Healthcare Symposium in Cologne, experts will discuss forward-looking concepts, digital transformations, and scientific findings within the modern nursing and healthcare landscape, both on-site and in the digital space.
The Cologne metropolitan region is increasingly establishing itself as a central hub for academic debates in the healthcare sector. Designed as a hybrid event, the IU symposium offers a cross-disciplinary platform for professional audiences from all over Germany to shed light on pressing issues regarding quality of care, economization, and technological progress. The specialist conference will be chaired and opened by Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, head of the E-Commerce Institute in Cologne, together with the academic location management, Prof. Dr. Katja Grupp. A key thematic foundation will be laid by the guest lecture from Günter Wältermann, Chairman of the Executive Board of AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, who will outline the procedural challenges and opportunities in the digitization of the healthcare sector.
Important Facts: IU Symposium Cologne
- 📅 Event Date & Location: The symposium takes place on May 22, 2026, at the IU International University of Applied Sciences, Cologne Campus in the Gerling Quartier.
- ➔ Digital Zoom Access: Online participation is barrier-free via the Official Zoom Link (ID: 688 906 3632) with the password: 2025.
- ✔ Key Theme: The event focuses on the overarching topic of “Digital Empowerment in Healthcare”.
- ✔ Comprehensive Program: Structured schedule running from 09:30 AM through expert lectures to a networking session until 03:30 PM.
- ✔ Top Speakers: Scientific contributions and keynotes by high-caliber stakeholders from health insurance, leading research, telemedicine, and practical application fields.
- ✔ Student Focus: Ceremonial presentation of certificates of attendance and achievement awards directly to IU students during the closing block.
Full Program Schedule & List of Speakers
The following overview documents the complete scientific program, including all sections, precise time slots, and the institutional backgrounds of the expert speakers:
| Time | Section / Topic & Content | Speakers & Institutional Background |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 AM | Arrival of participants (Venetian Hall) | Open reception for all guests and attendees |
| 09:45 AM | Opening & Welcome | Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel (IU) & Prof. Dr. Katja Grupp (IU) |
| 10:00 AM | Keynote Lecture | Günter Wältermann (AOK Rheinland/Hamburg) |
| 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM | First Part of Lectures (Room 1.15) | Prof. Dr. Klara Brixius, Alina Holle, Prof. Dr. Bettina Wollesen, Prof. Dr. Siegfried Jedamzik, Dr. med. Markus Leyck Dieken, Prof. Dr. Susanna Minder |
| 12:00 – 01:00 PM | Lunch Break | Networking |
| 01:00 – 02:30 PM | Second Part of Lectures (Room 1.15) | Dr. Ulrich Arnold, Prof. Dr. R. C. Geibel, Rüdiger Hochscheidt, Sami Gaber, Prof. Dr. Bettina Wollesen, Annalena Sommer |
| 02:30 – 03:00 PM | Event Conclusion | Prof. Dr. R. C. Geibel, Prof. Dr. K. Grupp |
| 03:00 – 03:30 PM | Get Together | All participants |
Biographical Background of the Scientific Stakeholders
The foundation of the congress is built upon the broad expertise of the authors and presenters:
- Dr. Ulrich Arnold: CEO of gkv informatik, senior IT executive, and strategic bridge-builder.
- Prof. Dr. Klara Brixius: Researches at the Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine at the German Sport University Cologne, focusing on molecular sports medicine and preventive effects.
- Medical Specialist Sami Gaber: Expert in general medicine and CMO of docport GmbH, driving innovative system practice models.
- Rüdiger Hochscheidt: Independent consultant focusing on European healthcare policy and cross-border digital infrastructures.
- Alina Holle: Consultant at gkv informatik, holds a Master’s degree from the German Sport University Cologne, and focuses on the scientific transmission of digital health literacy.
- Prof. Dr. Siegfried Jedamzik: General practitioner and professor at DIT, pioneer in telemedicine and networked care structures.
- Dr. med. Markus Leyck Dieken: Former Managing Director of gematik GmbH, steered Germany’s core digital infrastructure for years, now partner at “Die BrückenKöpfe”.
- Annalena Sommer: Research associate at IU, conducts interdisciplinary research in psychology and digital marketing, and is involved in the BMFTR ZiBeKo / CIP project.
- Prof. Dr. Bettina Wollesen: Head of the institute at the German Sport University Cologne and Vice President for “Health and Motion” at the German Association for Sports Science (dvs).
A central driver of the symposium is the realization that technological innovations must support the human element in healthcare. By intuitively integrating digital assistance systems into daily workflows and optimizing data networks, administrative hurdles can be lowered, reclaiming time for patients.
FAQ Section – Science and Practice in Dialogue
How can external interested parties participate in the symposium in Cologne?
The conference is a hybrid event. Digital participation is possible via Zoom (Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6889063632, Password: 2025).
What core messages are delivered by the contribution of Günter Wältermann (AOK)?
The lecture emphasizes that digital infrastructure needs to be harmonized nationwide, with a focus on stable interfaces, secure care structures, and relief for all stakeholders.
What is the significance of interoperability and national identities?
Standardized interfaces and secure electronic identities form the mandatory prerequisite for integrated care, ensuring data-privacy-compliant and seamless information exchange.
This article is based on the program content, expert lectures, and scientific presentations of the 3rd IU Healthcare Symposium at the IU International University of Applied Sciences in Cologne with the participation of the E-Commerce Institute.