The Hochschulallianz Ruhr (HAR) is a strategic alliance of universities of applied sciences in the Ruhr region, aiming to strengthen existing cooperation in exchanging best practices in teaching and research, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration and joint projects within the HAR network and with Baltic partner institutions. Through joint activities and coordinated initiatives, HAR promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and the exchange of expertise among its member institutions.
As part of HAR’s internationalization activities, a Balticum delegation trip, that was organized by Fachhochschule Dortmund (FH Dortmund), brought together colleagues from the alliance, including professors, deans, representatives of international offices, and scientific researchers. The delegation visited key academic partner institutions in the Baltic region, with stops in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Riga.
During the trip, the delegation visited the following universities:
- Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Kaunas
- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) in Vilnius
- University of Latvia (LU) in Riga
Meeting at University of Latvia (LU) in Riga
As part of the Balticum delegation trip the University of Latvia (LU) in Riga was visited. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new avenues for academic and institutional cooperation.
“We were warmly welcomed by deans and responsible representatives from various faculties of the University of Latvia” – Hermina Motruk said, the Course Manager of EuroMPM at FH Dortmund. During joint meetings, both sides engaged in an open and productive exchange on current academic activities, ongoing research projects, and existing study programmes. In addition, discussions focused on identifying potential fields of common interest where future collaboration, exchange, and joint initiatives could be further developed. Both institutions agreed that there is significant potential for deepening cooperation and expanding joint activities in the future.
A particular highlight of the visit was the exchange at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, where in-depth discussions regarding the existing double degree agreement of the two Project Management master´s programmes were held. Prof. Dr. Christian Reimann, Vice-Director of European Master in Project Management (EuroMPM), Hermina Motruk, Course Manager of EuroMPM together with Prof. Dr. Andrejs Cekuls, Director of the Master’s Programme in Project Management reviewed current structures, reflected on experiences from previous cohorts, and discussed ways to further strengthen our collaboration and optimize administrative and academic processes. The personal exchange proved especially valuable in aligning expectations, clarifying procedures, and identifying concrete steps for further improvement.
Meetings in person play a crucial role in building trust, fostering mutual understanding, and laying the foundation for sustainable and long-term partnerships. The direct dialogue allowed for open discussions, efficient problem-solving, and the development of shared perspectives on future cooperation.
All in all, the visit to the University of Latvia was a very enriching experience and highlighted the strong potential of the partnership.
Meeting at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Kaunas
At Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), visits were held in the School of Economics and Business.
The cooperation of the Fachhochschule Dortmund and the School of Economics and Business, lasts since 2013. The meeting in the faculty, led by Assoc. prof. dr. Meda Andrijauskienė, Vice-Dean for Research, as well as alumna of the European Master in Project Management (EuroMPM) double degree program, strengthened the existing partnership with the Fachhochschule Dortmund and led to discussions on the prospects of establishing partnerships with other partners of Hochschulallianz Ruhr. The visit to KTU Digi Lab and meeting German students currently studying at KTU on Erasmus+ exchange further stimulated the sharing of experiences of education processes and innovations leading to societal impact.
