On 15 June, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) welcomed participants from across the ACE²-EU Alliance for the start of the Staff BIP “Build your BIP with ACE²-EU: Developing Successful BIPs from Concept to Implementation”. Throughout the week, administrative and academic staff will come together to explore the opportunities, challenges, and strategic potential of Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs).
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Vice President for Research, Professor Daniel Großmann, who highlighted the importance of BIPs as an additional opportunity for strengthening collaboration and fostering closer connections within the ACE²-EU alliance. By bringing staff and students together across institutions, BIPs can play an important role in building a shared European academic community.
The keynote address was delivered by Anne Poser from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, who provided a comprehensive introduction to Blended Intensive Programmes. Participants explored what BIPs are, how they can be implemented, and the many different formats that already exist across European university alliances.
Drawing on examples from other alliances, Anne Poser demonstrated the flexibility of the BIP format. Models range from rotating BIPs hosted by different institutions each year, to annual flagship programmes and even dedicated BIP weeks that bring together multiple activities under one umbrella. Participants also discussed the role of BIPs within university alliances, for example as preparatory measures for future Joint Degrees and deeper academic integration.
Beyond alliances, the discussion also examined how BIPs can involve external partners from industry, public institutions, and civil society. Participants explored opportunities for integrating these stakeholders into programme design and, where appropriate, compensating them for their contributions.
The keynote sparked lively discussions from the very beginning of the event. Participants raised important questions about the future coordination of BIPs within the ACE²-EU Alliance, the long-term strategic objectives associated with them, and the opportunities they offer for strengthening and sustaining the internationalisation of teaching and learning.
Further topics included the differences between Staff BIPs and Student BIPs, as well as the organisational and pedagogical considerations that need to be considered when designing successful programmes.
Following the general introduction, Alma Vázquez from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) shared her practical experiences with BIPs. From the perspective of an International Office, she reflected on lessons learned, common challenges, and the institutional conditions that should be established to enable academic staff to integrate BIPs effectively into their teaching plans.
The first day concluded with many new ideas, inspiring examples, and a growing list of questions. Over the coming days, participants will continue working together to develop concrete concepts and explore how BIPs can further support collaboration, innovation, and internationalisation across and beyond the ACE²-EU Alliance.
