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The 2024 European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF) will be hosted from 14 to 16 November 2024 by University of Twente, Netherlands.
The Forum, entitled “Enhancing education, research and societal engagement through quality assurance”, will combine sessions about policies and trends, research, and practical case examples related to the Forum theme and more generally about current developments in quality assurance.
Connecting quality assurance efforts across teaching, research, and the third mission is crucial for universities to achieve their strategic objectives. This integrated approach can foster a well-rounded and impactful educational experience for students while advancing research and contributing meaningfully to society. However, addressing the interconnectedness of the three missions is becoming more challenging both for internal and external QA systems due to the wide variety of new developments and trends in higher education. These range from the need to base learning and teaching on research, to technological advancements including artificial intelligence, and the rise of projects envisaging the cooperation of different actors including non-academic stakeholders.
EQAF 2024 will explore new policies, innovative methodologies and tools that can ensure a holistic approach to quality and quality assurance. It will also invite the audience to reflect on how quality assurance can meet needs and challenges arising at the interconnection of the three missions. In addition to researchers, practitioners and policy makers in quality assurance, this year’s event will be of special interest to professionals responsible for quality of research and outreach functions at universities, and to staff with project management functions.
This year’s Forum will take place on-site and will provide participants with opportunities for discussion, debates and networking, also outside the formal programme. The sessions will facilitate audience interaction to allow participants to gain the most from the event.
For updates, please follow @EQAF and #EQAF on Twitter and/or join the LinkedIn group “European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF)”.
Dear guests,
It is my privilege to welcome you all to the vibrant and innovative community of the University of Twente, where curiosity meets creativity!
What sets the University of Twente apart is its unique blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal relevance.
As a leading research university, we are at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. From sustainable energy solutions to cutting-edge healthcare technologies. Our interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration across disciplines, driving forward progress and innovation. What this illustrates is our new Master Humanitarian Engineering that got recently approved by our government and that will start upcoming academic year.
In an era marked by rapid advancements and evolving challenges, the role of quality assurance in education and research has never been more crucial. Quality assurance serves as the cornerstone upon which we build trust, credibility, and innovation. For this we work with a developmental approach for our internal quality assurance on education that supports the open entrepreneurial mindset we need to build the required trust, credibility, and innovation.
Crucially, our endeavours in education and research do not exist in isolation; they are intricately intertwined with the fabric of society. Across our campus you can find the business & science park where many spin-offs of our university are situated. Hence, the nexus between academia and society underscores the significance of societal engagement. Quality assurance in societal engagement ensures that our outreach efforts are inclusive, impactful, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities. This is reflected in the collaborations we have. For example, in our region with Saxion University for Applied Sciences, the University of Münster and ROC van Twente, and a bit further with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and technical universities in the Netherlands and around the world. From these we catalyse positive social change. With VU Amsterdam we started branch offices of our technical degrees Mechanical Engineering and Creative Technology to make an impact by bringing the much-needed engineering and technical talent to society.
In the spirit of collaboration and collective action, let us for the upcoming days seize this opportunity to exchange insights, best practices, and innovative strategies for enhancing quality assurance in education, research, and societal engagement.
Prof. dr. ir. Tom Veldkamp, Rector Magnificus
The venue for EQAF 2024 is the University of Twente Campus, situated in a picturesque setting close to the cities of Enschede and Hengelo.
The University of Twente offers a wide range of highly rated, innovative study programmes. With three powerful research institutes and around 400 labs, we have access to a first-class research and learning environment. All of our education and research is aimed at coming up with solutions for today’s challenges. Whether it’s about improving food security in Africa, devising a smart app that can support patients with diabetes, or realising the transition to electric vehicles. One of our University's crown jewels is undoubtedly our campus. Our campus is the only all-in campus in the Netherlands. It has as many activities to offer as a small city with 3,000 student houses and apartments. There are plenty of facilities, such as a grocery store, a bar, a gym, a laundromat, healthcare facilities, and even a hairdresser. A green and lively environment that covers 146 hectares – approximately 200 football fields. Here, you can find everything you need to learn, work and live. A campus with the hustle and bustle of a small metropolis and a dynamic, international community to live and work in. The city centre of Enschede is only a 10-minute bike ride away!
Education at UT is interactive, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and independent, proactive thinking. Students work together in teams on challenging real-world projects. By working together, they develop academic knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, research and design, and discover which role suits them best. Great value is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration. This allows students to collaborate in a project with students from different backgrounds! In Twente urban dynamics go hand in hand with serenity and nature. Twente is a high end technological, enterprising and innovative ‘knowledge region’.
This results in a huge diversity of ground breaking high-tech companies situated next to the campus area.
Registration details
REGISTRATION FEES
To check whether your institution is a member, please consult the corresponding directories below:
EUA members ENQA members and affiliates EURASHE members ESU members
Payment: Payment must be made upon receipt of confirmation and prior to the Forum, either by bank transfer or credit card. The participant assumes full responsibility for paying all bank charges associated with the payment.
The registration fee includes attendance at the Forum, access to the event app, admission to coffee breaks and lunches at the Forum, and to the networking reception. The name badge issued to you on registration is required for admission to the sessions, lunches and coffee breaks, as well as the social programme. You are kindly requested to wear your name badge at all times.
CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
Participants who cancel after 17 October 2024 or fail to attend, will be liable to pay the entire registration fee. Substitutes will be accepted at any time provided that EUA is informed of the change. Cancellations or changes must be sent in writing to the following email address: eqaf@eua.eu
Contact EUA EQAF Coordination Team For enquiries regarding the programme, please contact: Cecilia Biaggi Policy and Project Officer Tel: +32 2 230 55 44 Email: eqaf@eua.eu
For enquiries regarding registrations and general information, please contact: Gemma Fagan Events Officer Tel: +32 2 230 55 44 Email: eqaf@eua.eu
To contact the host (for invoices and credit card payments) please contact: eqaf-sp@utwente.nl
Tineke van der Wal-Zoer Project Officer QA-team UT +31534891831 Email: t.zoer@utwente.nl
Lucienne Dado Eventcoordinator +31643716144 Email: l.dado@utwente.nl
Pre-forum session
Introduction to the European quality assurance framework, Anna Gover, ENQA, Maria Kelo, EUA
Plenary Sessions
Closing Plenary: Beyond the three missions: HE for the future, Ellen Hazelkorn, Professor Emerita, Technological University Dublin
Parallel Plenary Sessions
The complex mission of higher education and the future of the ESG, Anna Gover, Director, ENQA, Jakub Grodecki, Policy and Project Manager, EURASHE, Maria Kelo, Director, Institutional Development, EUA, Lana Par, Vice President, ESU
Assessing the quality of research policies and environment
QA and international cooperation
QA and technology: challenges from AI
Managing projects and balancing time through QA
Workshops
1. Data-driven policymaking: How can AI support student progression?, Ana Tecilazić, Silvija Grgić and Ivana Verveger, Algebra University
2. Enabling QA at universities to address new topics: The example of societal engagement, Susanne Lippold, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Andreas Fritsch, University of Greifswald
3. Alternative career assessment - What can you learn from others?, Andreas Raggautz, University of Graz, Eglė Butkevičienė, Kaunas University of Technology
4. Practical explorations of adapting higher education policy to face the age of generative AI, Emilia Todorova, University of Gibraltar
5. AI tools for efficient and effective accreditation processes in fourth-generation universities, Thorsten Kliewe, Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU)
6. Engaging student experts in enhancing education, research and public engagement -- good practice during QA reviews, Natalia Wiktoria Greniewska, Ana Gvritishvili, Gaga Gvenetadze and Mick Scholtka, The European Students' Union (ESU)
Practice presentations
1. Enhancing sustainability through quality assurance: Collaborative approaches at Swiss universities, Lali Giorgidze, University of Neuchâtel
2. 16 Years of an interdisciplinary master’s programme: challenges and successes in fostering international cooperations and enhancing quality assurance, Luz Elisabeth Pacas Castro, University of Siegen
3. Digital Education Quality Label provides framework to enhance lecturers` competence in digital education, Liia Lauri, Estonian Quality Agency for Education, Sille Paas, Tallinn University of Technology
4. Practical experience in fostering international cooperation through quality assurance and vice versa, Berit Stoppa, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
5. Accreditation of postgraduate medical education in Switzerland – between education and healthcare policies, Stephanie Hering, Swiss Agency of Accreditation and Quality Assurance (AAQ)
6. Educational policy plan in line with transversal policy themes: Challenges, Sofie Swinnen and Anthe Snellinx, Hasselt University
7. Enhancing quality outcomes: RCVS pre-accreditation support package, Shirley Gibbins, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
8. The Teaching Excellence Framework as a case study of a national scheme to promote quality enhancement across a diverse higher education sector, Graeme Rosenberg, Office for Students
9. An instrument for measuring quality culture and the use of results, Eltjo Bazen, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
10. MicroCredential and transparent tracking of skills of the student representatives involved in the QA. Student Voice processes, Nicole Messi, Università di Torino
11. Innovative Student-Centred Quality Assurance Practices in Higher Education: Insights from Turkish Quality Assurance in Higher Education, Eren Çanga, Padova University
12. Thematic analysis of the third cycle of academic school quality review reports at University College Dublin (UCD), 2016-22, Bronwyn Molony, University College Dublin
13. Together we educate: The success of learning communities for quality assurance, Stefan Kooij, University of Twente
Papers:
1. The PMO – A hub for quality evaluation and strategic interconnectedness, Ann Murphy, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
2. The role of quality assurance agencies in regulating the use of generative artificial intelligence in the higher education system, Gvantsa Dzidziguri, National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement PowerPoint Presentation
3. Internal Quality Assurance as a catalyst for sustainable, transnational collaboration: The case of the EUTOPIA Alliance, Jo Angouri, University of Warwick, Rosette S'Llegers, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Melinda Szabo, EUTOPIA PowerPoint Presentation
4. Are they worth it? An analysis of Chilean Accreditation Quality reports, Valeria Rebolledo, University of Bath and University of Cambridge PowerPoint Presentation
5. Fostering cooperation through enhancement-oriented national evaluations, Ingebjørg Flaata Bjaaland and Inger-Lise Kalviknes Bore, Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance (NOKUT) PowerPoint Presentation
6. What are the prospects of joint evaluation procedures for joint universities? A case study of the evaluation of the French University in Armenia by two national quality assurance agencies, Sophie Guillet, Hcéres, Zaruhi Soghomonya and Aida Ter-Ghazaryan, French University in Armenia (UFAR) PowerPoint Presentation
7. More than words: An integrative approach to cooperation and quality assurance through service-learning, Berta Paz Lourido, European Association of Service-Learning in Higher Education PowerPoint Presentation
9. Quality assurance, a tool for cooperation in HE and fulfilment of the threefold mission of the HEIs: A case study of the Romanian approach. Reflections on the past and prospects for the future, Oana Sarbu, University of Bucharest PowerPoint Presentation
10. Research: a necessity priced as a luxury, Artina Kamberi, University of Tetova PowerPoint Presentation
11. Enhancing well-being, learning, societal engagement, and research skills through student-led interventions at a major public university in Kosovo, Zamira Hyseni Duraku, University of Prishtina PowerPoint Presentation
12. Quality assurance of Research: are UASs really that different?, Natascha van Hattum-Janssen, Saxion University of Applied Sciences PowerPoint Persentation
13. Using surveys to foster cooperation in the development of the master’s thesis in initial teacher education, Erlend Langørgen, Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance (NOKUT) PowerPoint Presentation
14. Discourse on the EUA report Challenges and enablers in designing transnational joint education provision: Additions and extensions on the given recommendations, Anja Gleissner, Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences PowerPoint Presentation
15. Co-operation at the cusp of academic and corporate governance: establishing and embedding a Joint Quality Committee in a university, Chris O’Riordan, South East Technological University (SETU) PowerPoint Presentation
16. Improving language education through quality assurance -- project management and language evaluation, Katarzyna Gajda, University of Warsaw PowerPoint Presentation
17. Building cooperation culture with industry in institutional reviews: Case of Georgia, Lasha Macharashvili, Alte University PowerPoint Presentation
18. Introducing a postgraduate phase of qualification at universities of applied sciences: Collaboration and quality in doctoral education, Michael Gille, UAS Hamburg, Johanna Krappe, UAS Turku PowerPoint Presentation
19. Generative AI and writing assignments: Long live the master's thesis. Let's bury it, Bertel De Groote, Ghent University PowerPoint Presentation
20. Enhancing impact through collaborative partnerships in UK Higher Education, Kerr Castle, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), Fredrick Agboma, Liverpool John Moores University PowerPoint Presentation
21. Valuation of graduates by the labour market as a measure of quality, Marek Rocki, SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Szkoła Główna Handlowa) PowerPoint Presentation
22. Enhancing Quality Assurance through Interdisciplinary Cooperation and Community Engagement: A Longitudinal Study of Turkish Universities' Service to Society, Meryem Ayşegül Kozak Çakır, Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC) PowerPoint Presentation
