Successful IU Students Symposium 2026 in Cologne: Digital Transformation and Academic Excellence
Abstract
On May 22, 2026, the Cologne Campus in the Gerling Quartier transformed into a dynamic forum for young academics. With the premiere of the “IU Students Symposium – Spotlight on our Students” and its close integration with the parallel 3. IU Health Symposium, a high-profile platform was established. This dual event fostered a targeted exchange among students, researchers, professors, and practice partners to immediately discuss innovative results from teaching and practice.
Strategic Objectives and Networking
The primary objective of the event was to make the high quality of student work—such as projects, seminar papers, practical projects, and theses—visible within a professional setting. A special strategic focus was placed on breaking down barriers between the two major educational sectors, Dual Studies (DS) and Distance Learning (FS), establishing an intensive, interdisciplinary exchange. For participating companies, the event served client acquisition, engagement with existing partners, and the reactivation of former practice collaborations.
Important Facts: Highlights and Academic Insights
- High-Profile Keynote: Günter Wältermann, Chairman of the Executive Board of AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, gave an impressive presentation in the Venetian Hall on the digitalization of the healthcare system, platform strategies, the e-prescription, and the electronic patient record (ePA).
- Interdisciplinary Technical Tracks: Three parallel sessions covered Business Administration/Management/Tourism/Real Estate, Social Work and Childhood Pedagogy, as well as Health Management.
- Expertise in the Health Track: Renowned experts such as Prof. Dr. Klara Brixius (digital health literacy), Dr. med. Markus Leyck Dieken (national electronic identity), and Prof. Dr. Siegfried Jedamzik (interoperability) presented current research findings.
- Scientific Exchange: Research associate Annalena Sommer, together with Prof. Dr. Geibel, introduced the ZiBeKo funding project of the BMFTR.
Detailed Program Schedule
| Time | Program Item / Agenda |
|---|---|
| 09:30 AM | Arrival of participants and initial networking. |
| 09:45 AM | Official opening by Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel and welcome address by the Academic Campus Director Prof. Dr. Katja Grupp in the Venetian Hall. |
| 10:30 AM | Start of the three parallel tracks in the seminar rooms (including Room Flora, Room 1.17, and Room 1.08). |
| 12:00 PM | Interdisciplinary lunch break with snacks and drinks, along with visits to partner exhibits. |
| 01:00 PM | Continuation of presentations and deepening of the academic discourse. |
| 02:30 PM | Synthesis of results, ceremonial presentation of certificates to all speakers, and presentation of the Excellence Awards. |
| 03:00 PM | Concluding get-together with finger food and drinks to strengthen newly established contacts. |
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific awards were presented at the symposium?
To appropriately honor outstanding achievements, two central awards were presented at the end of the event: the “Best Presentation” award within the respective technical sessions for students, and the “Best Partner” award for dedicated companies.
What academic conclusion does the campus management draw from the event?
The high attendance of an estimated 100 to 150 participants, as well as the quality of the contributions, demonstrated that the symposium is a forward-looking format. It is explicitly recommended to establish this event as a regular institution at the Cologne Campus and to potentially expand it to other IU locations.
What key topic was addressed in the integrated Health Symposium?
The 3. IU Health Symposium focused on the core theme of “Digital Empowerment in Healthcare”. The presentations addressed the digital medical practice, digital motion-related care, interoperability, and trust in AI-based technologies within the medical sector.