The two-day event for around 380 employees focused on current developments in artificial intelligence, professional and personal development, and safety at the University of Applied Sciences.
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IMC Krems starts the academic year with fresh momentum
“Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the higher education landscape. For us, this means actively harnessing the opportunities AI offers while ensuring its responsible use,” said Ulrike Prommer, CEO of IMC Krems.
IMC Conference
The IMC Days began on 2 September with the IMC Conference 2026. The central theme was how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and the opportunities and challenges it presents for learning, teaching, research and everyday work.
A particular highlight was the keynote speech by Prof Dr Doris Weßels, which underscored that the successful integration of AI in higher education depends not only on technological infrastructure. Equally important are new skills, clear frameworks and a willingness to develop innovative approaches to learning and working.
In the afternoon, employees participated in interactive, department-specific AI workshops, where they developed concrete ideas, objectives and measures for the use of artificial intelligence at IMC Krems.
The day concluded with the traditional IMC Heuriger on campus, providing an opportunity to network and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.
IMC Awards recognise commitment and innovation
Alongside information sharing and professional development, the IMC Conference also celebrated the people and ideas that make a lasting contribution to IMC Krems. The IMC Awards recognise outstanding commitment, innovation and exceptional achievements, highlighting how individuals and their ideas help shape the institution’s ongoing development.
The International Award was presented to Markus Golla, as well as to Doris Berger-Grabner, Markus Latzke and Tanja Ihden as a team. The Innovation Award for innovative ideas and projects went to Stefan Schmircher and Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher. The IMC Award for exceptional institutional commitment was awarded to Nicolas Aron and Gebhard Binder.
MehrWERT Day: 21 workshops for professional and personal growth
The second day of the IMC Days, the MehrWERT Day, was dedicated to professional and personal development. A total of 21 workshops provided opportunities to acquire new skills, deepen existing knowledge and gain practical inspiration for everyday work.
The programme ranged from “Addressing issues instead of avoiding them” to “Visualisation in teaching”, covering a broad spectrum of topics. In addition to workshops on safety and wellbeing, employees explored educational, communication-focused and personal development themes.
During the Active Bystander Training, participants learned how to identify inappropriate behaviour at an early stage and respond appropriately in challenging situations. The workshop focused on practical intervention strategies for situations involving disrespectful behaviour, discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying.
IT security also formed an important part of the university’s commitment to a safe working and learning environment. In the “Update IT Security” workshop, employees received a practical overview of recent developments relevant to their daily work.
Another workshop focused on health and safety in the workplace, covering the fundamentals of occupational safety, ergonomic workplace design and the conscious management of individual mental wellbeing.
United into the 2026/27 academic year
The IMC Days 2026 successfully marked the beginning of the new academic year. Artificial intelligence, continuous development, and the cultivation of a safe university culture will remain key priorities in the months ahead.