The Minister praised the University of Graz as one of Austria's central scientific institutions, especially in the south of Austria, and emphasised its importance for the further development of the entire Austrian and European higher education area.
"The University of Graz is one of the central scientific institutions in our country. It combines excellent research with a high level of social responsibility and, as a general university, makes an indispensable contribution to our education system and the innovative strength of Austria and Europe," said Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner during her visit. "However, I was also particularly impressed by the university's commitment to the training of teachers and elementary educators. These areas are crucial for the future of our children and young people."
Another focus of the discussion was the training of teachers. In view of the existing shortage of teachers and the organisation of teacher training courses, it was emphasised that the University of Graz makes a decisive contribution to the future of the education system with its teacher training courses and will continue to do so in the future. Around 21 per cent of active students are currently enrolled in teacher training programmes. The aim of the Rectorate is to ensure the high quality and scientific anchoring of this training programme in the long term and to maintain it centrally at the University of Graz.
The training of elementary school teachers and the associated challenges were also a topic of the visit. With the recently launched training offensive and the funding of a further 150 training places, the University of Graz is providing important impetus for early childhood education and strengthening the link between research, practice and training.
During her visit, the Minister also learnt about current initiatives on campus. These included the LUIS*A campaign against sexual harassment, which contributes to a culture of respectful interaction, as well as the plans to redesign the former canteen into a modern learning zone for students, which will be available around the clock from mid-January. A short tour of the university library with its important special collection offered insights into the university's rich academic tradition. The subsequent meeting with representatives of the Austrian Students' Union (ÖH) centred on the perspectives and concerns of students over coffee.
Another topic that is currently being discussed intensively within the University of Graz is the question of how academic achievements can be evaluated and made visible. During the discussion, it became clear that there is a tension between scientific freedom and the social demand for measurable results, which - similar to current debates in the USA - gives rise to different perspectives and positions.
"The Federal Minister's visit was an important and very positive signal for the University of Graz. We took the opportunity to discuss key topics such as future funding, but also the further development of teacher training programmes and training in elementary education. These areas are of great social relevance and are crucial for us to respond to the challenges in the field of education," said Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz. "We are particularly pleased that the Minister explicitly recognised the role of our university as an important research and educational institution in Austria, but above all in southern Austria and Europe. This encourages us to continue on our path consistently and in dialogue with politics, society and our students".