IFCU-Congress: Branding Catholic Universities in a changing Higher-Education Landscape
| Datum und Uhrzeit | 19.10.2026, 11:00 Uhr - 21.10.2026, 12:30 Uhr |
|---|---|
| Ort/ Adresse | katho - Catholic University of Applied Sciences |
| Anmeldezeitraum | Registration deadline is 28th September 2026. |
| Anmeldeinformationen | For registration please visit: https://www.wcu.academy/en/agenda/international-conference-47 |
| Veranstalter |
katho externer Veranstalter |
This conference explores how Catholic universities can strengthen their identity and influence in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. By aligning mission, values, and communication, institutions are invited to move beyond branding as a mere tool, and to consider it as a strategic expression of their identity and societal role.
In a context marked by geopolitical uncertainty, cultural shifts, and growing competition in higher education, Catholic universities are increasingly called upon not only to educate, but to contribute actively to the shaping of more just and sustainable societies.
Bringing together university leaders, communication professionals, and institutional stakeholders from across the world, this international congress will offer a space for reflection and exchange on how
Catholic institutions can enhance their visibility, strengthen their credibility, and expand their global influence – shaping change rather than simply adapting to it.
INFOS & REGISTRATION
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS:
“Branding Catholic Universities in a changing higher-education landscape”
19 to 21 Octobre 2026 | @ katho (Cologne)
Venue
Catholic University of Applied Sciences
Department Cologne
Wörthstraße 10, 50668 Köln, GERMANY
Fee
The registration fee is 300 € per participant. It includes participation in all congress sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, and the cultural programme organized during the event.
Registration
Registration deadline is 28th September 2026.
As the number of participants is limited, we recommend early registration.
For registration and more information please visit: wcu.academy
Hosting of the conference:
Prof. Dr. Joachim Söder
Professor of Philosophy | katho, Campus Aachen
Jennifer Jung
Lecturer in Applied Theology | katho, Campus Paderborn
Monday, October 19
| 10:30 AM | WELCOME |
| 11:00 AM | Opening Session: Prof. Dr. Barbara Schermaier-Stöckl (Rector of the katho), Bernward Robrecht (Chancellor of the katho), Dr. François Mabille (Secretary General of IFCU) |
| 11:45 AM | Inaugural Keynote: Social Sustainability and the Mission of Catholic Universities: The Foundations of a Distinctive Brand in the Making Prof. Dr. Taras Dobko (Rector and Associate Professor, Ukrainian Catholic University) - TBC |
| 12:30 AM | LUNCH |
| 1:30 PM | Open Space Session: Learning from One Another |
| 3:30 PM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 4:00 till 4:30 PM | Summary of the open groups |
| CULTURAL PROGRAMME | |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner German Brewery |
Tuesday, October 20
| 9:00 AM | WELCOME |
| 9:30 AM | Keynote: From Mission to Influence: Catholic Universities in the Global Public Space Prof. Dr. Hans Hobelsberger (Former rector of the katho), Mtra. Maricarmen Díaz de Sandi Gómez (Chief of the Rector's Office, Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA), Mexico / Coordinator of the ODUCAL Communication Network) |
| 10:45 AM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 11:00 AM | Strategic Panel: Brand, Credibility and Influence: Catholic Universities in the Public Sphere |
| 12:30 PM | LUNCH BREAK |
| 1:30 PM | Workshops: Best Practice Sessions - Learning from Experience |
| 3:30 PM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 3:45 till 4:45 PM | Collective Synthesis: From Many Voices to a Shared Vision |
| CULTURAL PROGRAMME | |
| 8:00 PM | Special Cathedral Tour at night |
Wednesday, October 21
| 9:00 AM | Celebration of the Eucharist at the Chapel of the katho |
| 9:45 AM | WELCOME |
| 10:00 AM | Podium Discussion: Leading Change: Catholic Universities Facing the Future |
| 11:30 AM | COFFEE BREAK |
| 11:45 AM | Closing Session: Looking Ahead Together |
| 12:30 PM | END OF CONFERENCE |
CONTACT
Should you have any questions on the IFCU Congress, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Loïc Roche
IFCU – Head of Communication and Strategy
loic.roche(at)bureau.fiuc.org
Lisa Jungkamp
katho – Head of International Office
l.jungkamp(at)katho-nrw.de
ABOUT US
IFCU
The International Federation of Catholic Universities is a common home for 220+ Catholic universities and higher education institutions worldwide. It welcomes institutions of all sizes, traditions, histories, and levels of prestige, giving each one a voice.
wcu.academy
katho
The Catholic University of Applied Sciences North Rhine-Westphalia is today Germany’s largest church-sponsored private university with state certification. katho has campuses in Aachen, Cologne, Münster and Paderborn.
katho-nrw.de