SAARBRÜCKEN — Saarland University's Innovation Center A2.1 hosted the "DIES – International Deans’ Course Latin America: LATAM Regional Expertise Workshop 2026" from 24 to 26 September 2026. The event gathered academic leaders, international partners, and institutional representatives to foster collaboration and address strategic priorities in higher education management across Latin America and Europe.
Opening Ceremony and Welcome Addresses
The workshop officially commenced on Thursday, 24 September, with opening addresses delivered in Room A2.1 – 3.05.2. Saarland University President Prof. Dr Ludger Santen opened the proceedings alongside Prof. Dr Astrid Fellner of Saarland University and Prof. Dr Joaquín Marhuenda representing the University of Alicante. Key partner organisations were represented by Yvonne Visarius from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Iris Danowski from the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).
Following the welcome session, an introduction detailing the structure and objectives of the LATAM workshop programme was presented by Prof. Dr Astrid Fellner, Prof. Dr Joaquín Marhuenda, Eva Nossem (Saarland University), and Carolina Madeleine (University of Alicante).
The second day of proceedings centered on the thematic focus "REGEX & ALUMNI". The session brought together academic leaders and institutional representatives from Europe and Latin America with the aim of strengthening inter-university cooperation and enhancing alumni networks.
University Cooperation and DIES IDCLA Alumni Network
Activities began with the transfer of participants to the university campus and an introductory session delivered by Prof. Dr Astrid Fellner (UdS) and Prof. Dr Joaquín Marhuenda (University of Alicante).
During the morning, Saarland University presented its international cooperation strategies through presentations by university President Prof. Dr Ludger Santen, Vice-President for International Affairs Prof. Dr Dominik Brodowski, and Head of the International Office Dr Johannes Abele. In addition, Prof. Dr Joaquín Marhuenda and Carolina Madeleine outlined the cooperation projects from the University of Alicante.
The morning block concluded with a presentation by Prof. Dr Janitza Ariza-Salazar (Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz), who introduced the initiatives and strategic development of the DIES IDCLA program alumni network.
International Funding and Networking Agenda
In the afternoon, the agenda focused on analyzing networking and internationalisation opportunities. Yvonne Visarius, representing the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and Iris Danowski, from the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), led a session dedicated to institutional partnership opportunities.
Subsequently, Carolina Madeleine (UA) detailed international funding and collaboration pathways available through EU programs such as Erasmus+ and Horizon. The day concluded with the participants returning to the hotel and an official networking dinner ("UdS-LATAM Networking Dinner") aimed at strengthening alliances between Saarland University and participating Latin American institutions.
Strategic Discussions on the Future of DIES IDCLA
A primary focus of the opening morning's agenda centred on the future direction of the DIES International Deans' Course Latin America (IDCLA). Delegates engaged in two dedicated sessions ahead of the afternoon proceedings:
- Framework & Policy: Yvonne Visarius (DAAD) and Iris Danowski (HRK) led a session outlining strategic objectives, funding perspectives, and organizational frameworks for the future of DIES IDCLA.
- Academic & Regional Execution: Prof. Dr Astrid Fellner, Prof. Dr Joaquín Marhuenda, Eva Nossem, and Carolina Madeleine presented on operational strategies, academic cooperation, and institutional implementation across participating universities.
The initial session concluded with networking opportunities during coffee and lunch breaks, paving the way for further collaborative sessions running through 26 September.
