Internationalization RUB International 2030

The new overall strategy for internationalization of Ruhr University was published in November 2024. In this interview, Reena James, the Rector's Advisor for Internationalization, discusses the guidelines, goals and measures of the new strategy.

Ms James, why does Ruhr University need a (new) internationalization strategy? 
The Rectorate's new internationalization strategy is primarily a response to global and geopolitical challenges, which also have an impact on internationalization activities at Ruhr University. Climate change, digitalization, health, sustainable energy supply, food security, migration and demographic change are just some of the key issues for which increased international cooperation is essential, particularly in education, science and research.

At the same time, we at Ruhr University are increasingly being asked to deal with people and cooperation partners from crisis regions or authoritarian states. The Russian war of aggression or the restricted academic freedom in countries such as Iran, China or Afghanistan are just a few examples that have a concrete impact on internationalization work at Ruhr University. Last but not least, the coronavirus pandemic has had consequences for international mobility, exchanges and cooperation projects: Among other things, there were intensive discussions about digital opportunities in internationalization and, for example, the expansion of virtual teaching.

The guidelines provide an orientation framework for our internationalization activities.

Taking up these developments, the Rectorate has developed the new overall strategy, also after a detailed assessment of the strengths and opportunities in the internationalization work of Ruhr University. The guidelines developed provide a framework for our internationalization activities and should help to better coordinate measures and create synergies.

What are the priorities of the strategy? 
The new internationalization strategy outlines eight comprehensive fields of action with a broad spectrum of activities: study and teaching, research, knowledge and technology transfer with social impact, strategic international partnerships and networks, global engagement, community, operational excellence in internationalization, international marketing and recruitment. 

How do we promote international mobility and international exchange?

For example, we are looking at how we can make international mobility and international exchange more accessible to all university members, how we can make the welcoming and support culture even more needs-oriented and how we can integrate global topics and international references more strongly into research, teaching and transfer. But also how we can further expand cooperation with selected partners locally and abroad in terms of internationalization, promote Ruhr University abroad in a more targeted manner and optimize internal university processes and exchanges of experience in the area of internationalization.

Who is specifically affected by the strategy? 
During the development process of the strategy, it was very helpful to draw on the expertise of a diverse and international advisory body, the Strategy Board Internationalization, for over a year and to discuss overarching internationalization objectives and measures intensively with various stakeholders, such as the decentralized internationalization officers, representatives of the student body and the administration.

Internationalization can only succeed in the long term and sustainably if it is actively lived and shaped by everyone.

A catalog of measures for short- to long-term implementation has already been developed, into which the many suggestions and impulses - both bottom-up and top-down - have been incorporated. It became clear to everyone: Internationalization can only succeed in the long term and sustainably if it is actively lived, shaped and used by all groups of people - from students and academics to technical and administrative staff.

Where do we go from here?
Internationalization at the Ruhr University remains a work in progress. The RUB-community is also called upon to participate and actively contribute to the next development and implementation steps.