10th edition of the “International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women” brings together female STEM students from all over the world
Cutting-edge technical and scientific content and plenty of practical experience motivate the international students even during the summer break
The 28 participants of the “International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women” (ISAE4W) from 19 countries (Armenia, Brazil, China/Hong Kong, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Croatia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Serbia, Spain, South Korea) attended workshops and laboratory exercises in Wels and Upper Austria for over two weeks. In addition to highly topical knowledge, the participants were also able to gain practical and intercultural experience and incorporate this into their group projects.
“Creative approaches and new technologies are needed to support social change and master the current challenges. We therefore want to inspire girls and young women in particular for the exciting world of technology and science and work together on the future,” says Dean Prof. Dr. Michael Rabl.
The academy covers topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, medical technology, civil engineering, food technology and energy, with the aim of motivating female students in particular to study STEM subjects – or stay within their chosen study field. For the first time, graduates of previous academies were also invited to give lectures - in addition to providing specialist insights, they also showed the participants exciting paths for their own future.
Excursions to internationally successful companies such as Rosenbauer, Andritz Hydro and Backaldrin offered exclusive guided tours and insights into practice. Of course, an attractive social program was also provided: excursions to lakes, city tours and exciting events such as the Linz Pflasterspektakel or the Welser Musikfestiwels convinced the participants of the diversity of Upper Austria.
Interdisciplinary and international
The interdisciplinary approach of the programme and the diverse composition of the participants promotes exchange and innovative ideas, agree the organizers of the Summer Academy, FH-Prof. Dr. Karin Nachbagauer, FH-Prof. Dr. Claudia Probst and Mag. Kamilla Trubicki: “It is important to us that the participants learn from each other. Especially in the interdisciplinary project, they use their different professional and cultural backgrounds and experiences to create exciting approaches and solutions.”
It was precisely this mixture of academic content, practical project work and intercultural experience that was particularly well received by the participants. “You get to know each other very well through the academy's intensive program and close friendships develop. In addition to the topical content, I particularly enjoyed that,” says Regina from Mexico, who has been studying at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels Campus for a year now.
“And we want to promote these networks in particular in today's global times, as they promote intercultural understanding and cooperation on the one hand, but also open up many opportunities for the participants in the future,” Trubicki emphasizes. International connections also play a major role at the School of Engineering. Around 450 international students from almost 70 countries are currently studying in Wels together with German-speaking students, thus contributing to the international campus.
