WU International Staff Days 2026: Connect, Collaborate, and Exchange Insights
From 23 to 25 March 2026, WU Vienna hosted the WU International Staff Days under the motto “Connect, Collaborate, and Exchange Insights.” A total of 41 participants from 27 WU partner universities came together to engage in interactive formats designed to foster exchange, collaboration, and mutual learning.
In addition to higher education professionals from EU partner institutions, colleagues from the United States, Ukraine, Kenya, and Egypt also took part in the Staff Days. This international diversity significantly enriched the discussions and was widely perceived by all participants as a major added value of the event.
Three Tracks – Multiple Perspectives, One Shared Goal
Aligned with their professional backgrounds, participants were able to choose from three thematic tracks:
- Student Life Cycle: Digital Touchpoints and Experiences
- Successful Approaches in University Management
- University Libraries – Shaping the Future of Wayfinding and Discovery Tools
All tracks provided ample space for the exchange of best practices, the discussion of current challenges, and the exploration of international perspectives on key developments in higher education—ranging from digitalization and organizational development to innovative services in university libraries.
A Program Designed for Dialogue, Learning, and Networking
The first day focused on getting to know one another and building networks. Following a general introduction to WU, participants had the opportunity to explore the university through guided campus tours, a library tour, or a presentation of the FLEX Center. A joint dinner in the evening marked a successful opening and offered space for personal exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.
The second day placed the emphasis on in-depth exchange within the selected tracks. In particular, the expert sessions enabled participants to engage in deeper discussions and to compare different institutional approaches. This was complemented by a guided city tour of Vienna, which offered further opportunities for informal exchange and networking.
On the third day, all tracks came together for reflection and consolidation of shared learnings. A key highlight was the workshop “AI at Universities: Revolution or Evolution?”, organized by the WU initiative Pro KI. Participants reflected on the current use of artificial intelligence at their home institutions, with a particular focus on strategic, cultural, and operational considerations. As part of a creative wrap-up, participants also developed AI-generated comics that playfully visualized possible future scenarios for higher education.
Voices from the WU International Staff Days 2026
Lukas Hefner (International Office):
“The open atmosphere and cross-departmental exchange made the WU International Staff Days 2026 a truly special experience—and a vivid expression of internationality in practice at WU.”
Sophia Pircher (Office of the Rectorate):
“The WU International Staff Days provide a successful platform that offers both guests and hosts space for reflection and feedback. Engaging in professional dialogue with colleagues from other institutions—whose ways of working are similar yet not identical—sparks new ideas and supports the development of creative solutions.”
Barbara Lindsberger (University Library):
“The interactive format of the Staff Days was very well received by both the international participants and our colleagues at WU. It created a framework for intensive professional exchange, the development of future-oriented perspectives, and networking with experts from academic libraries.”
The WU International Staff Days 2026 clearly demonstrated the value of international exchange and staff mobility for the continued development of higher education institutions. We are already looking ahead with great anticipation to the next WU International Staff Days and look forward to further building on this successful format.
Author: Robin Heldt