On 3 and 4 September 2025, the IMC Days took place on the Krems campus: a two-day event for IMC Krems staff under the motto “Strategy, Security and MehrWERT” (MehrWERT – literally “added value”). With a varied programme, inspiring keynotes and hands-on workshops, the event marked an energetic kick-off to the 2025/26 academic year.

The IMC Days 2025 were a great success and provided the perfect framework to start the 2025/26 academic year strengthened and motivated. Photo credit: © IMC Krems/Lukas Bezila

Focus on strategy

The first day was dedicated to the strategic realignment of IMC Krems. IMC CEOs Ulrike Prommer and Udo Brändle opened the IMC Conference and presented the new strategic and operational goals, which had been developed together with many staff members. The aim is to make IMC Krems fit for the future and to actively drive the transformation process forward.

Interpreters on site

Particular emphasis at the IMC Conference was placed on bilingualism: thanks to simultaneous interpreters, the lectures and discussions could be followed both in German and in English. This service actively involved the international community of IMC Krems.

Safe university

This year’s IMC Conference focused especially on workshops dealing with the topic of safety. Participants explored key questions of central importance to ensuring a safe university environment.

Special attention was given to fire protection, crisis management and cybersecurity. The three emergency organisations – police, fire brigade and the Red Cross crisis intervention team – each prepared a station for IMC staff, where they provided valuable information and offered practical exercises. Participants gained insights into how safety can be guaranteed across campus – from prevention through to emergency response. Sincere thanks go to Gerhard Pichler, BA MA, District Police Commander of the Krems/Donau police station, who showed exceptional commitment in planning and implementation.

Dialogue with Dr Markus Hengstschläger

To conclude the day, the talk series “In conversation with…” featured Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr Markus Hengstschläger. The renowned researcher offered inspiring impulses on the future, innovation, and the role of science and education in a rapidly changing world.

Atmospheric finale

The first day was rounded off with a lively Spanish fiesta on the campus forecourt. Over tapas, music and good spirits, staff took the opportunity to exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.

MehrWERT Day with Ali Mahlodji as keynote speaker

The second day of the IMC Days – the MehrWERT Day – focused on training and further education. It opened with a much-anticipated keynote by Ali Mahlodji, international speaker, Whatchado founder and EU Youth Ambassador.

Under the title “Being human in an era of AI and uncertainty”, Mahlodji impressively demonstrated how technological developments are reshaping the world of work and why the human factor remains indispensable in times of upheaval. His inspiring message: in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and uncertainty, it takes humanity, courage and creativity to actively shape the future.

Professional input: research and AI in practice

After the keynote, IMC Krems staff could choose from a diverse programme of workshops and lectures. Particularly well attended was the session “IMC Research Basics”. The aim of this lecture was to ensure a common level of knowledge among all researchers at IMC Krems and thus sustainably improve the quality of research. Researchers received an overview of funding opportunities as well as tips for planning and managing a project budget. Useful tools and platforms were also introduced.

Another highlight was the workshop “AI in practice: safe, meaningful, efficient”, which explored practical applications and opportunities of artificial intelligence for everyday university life.

In addition, the workshop “Productive & creative at a distance – a toolkit for hybrid meetings with MS Teams” attracted great interest. It demonstrated how remote collaboration can be effective, creative and motivating.

A successful start to the new academic year

With the IMC Days 2025, IMC Krems started the new academic year with energy and inspiration – both organisationally and in terms of content. A total of 370 staff members took part in the two days, seizing the opportunity to network, learn new things and take away impulses for their own work.

“The IMC Days have shown how strong our community is and how much potential lies in collaboration. From strategy and safety to personal development – we were able to take away many valuable impulses,” emphasised IMC CEO Ulrike Prommer.

The IMC Days 2025 were a great success and provided the perfect framework to start the 2025/26 academic year strengthened and motivated.