UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY:

GOVERNING UNIVERSITIES IN THE DANUBE REGION THROUGH MULTIPLE CRISES  

Governing universities in the Danube Region through multiple crises is a complex challenge that requires leadership, strategic decision-making and resilience which is the focus of the DRC Annual Conference 2024 at the University of Continuing Education Krems. 

Analyzing the multiple crises – political, economic, environmental, and health – that have affected universities in the Danube Region is an important starting point. Identifying innovative practices and adaptive strategies used by universities to address emerging challenges and focus on opportunities is key to solutions. Robust solutions can be developed through an inter- and transdisciplinary approach, combining different scientific disciplines with societal perspectives and practices. This approach can be particularly strengthened through cooperation and exchange of knowledge. The outcome should be insights and solutions for universities and university governance, especially in the Danube region.

Universities can actively contribute to addressing the challenging ambiguities and growing uncertainties of the present and the future. In doing so, they create a strong societal impact that ensures future preparedness. In this context, research and reflection on university governance can contribute to a deeper understanding and strengthening of the role of universities. Universities are not only a source of inspiration, they also have much to learn from each other in terms of best practices that can feed into the policy discourse and contribute to the development of more effective, resilient and adaptable higher education systems in the Danube region.

The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Danube Rectors' Conference takes place at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria, on 13–15 November 2024. The conference will be part of the official calendar of the Austrian Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). As always you can expect high level discussions, space for young academics as well as the Danubius Awards Ceremony.

Register for the DRC Annual Conference 2024 via registration form below!

Programme of the Annual Conference

Hotel information

Due to limited availability, please secure your reservation in one of the hotels in Krems.

The University for Continuing Education Krems has pre-reserved a contingent of rooms at the arte Hotel Krems which is located right next to the University. These rooms can be booked for conference participants under the keyword “DRC” until 20 October 2024. In such a case, please make the booking via email address or the following phone number: +43 (0)2732 711-23

Standard double room (24 m²)

at the price of € 161.00 2 people / night / room

at the price of € 119.00 with single occupancy / night / room

The rate includes overnight accommodation and the rich breakfast buffet. The overnight tax is currently € 2.50 per person per night and is not included in the price. A public parking garage is available at a price of € 18.00 for 24 hours.

Other accommodation options:

Steigenberger Hotel & Spa, walking distance approx. 8 minutes

Hotel Unter den Linden, walking distance approx. 11 minutes

Hotel Klinglhuber, walking distance approx. 27 minutes

Student dormitory accommodation:

Kolping Campus Krems, on university campus

OeJAB - Europazentrum Krems, walking distance approx. 14 minutes

An overview of the opportunities near university campus can also be found on the website: Studying in Krems - University for Continuing Education Krems

Registration form for the DRC Annual Conference 2024