Wednesday 3 September 

Thursday 4 September 

Friday 5 September 

Academy Building (Rapenburg 73, Leiden)

Below you can find a detail description of all themes. Each session will have an expert speaker introducing the topic and set out two to three challenges.  After the introduction, participants will split up in smaller groups to discuss these challenges and draft solutions, ideas and other proposals which then will be presented in a plenary session to the other groups.  

A.I. and IT Developments: Impacts and Future Skills

This will explore the profound effects of artificial intelligence and information technology on higher education. As these technologies advance, they are reshaping educational methodologies, administrative processes, and the skillsets required for future academic and professional success. This session will highlight the latest developments in A.I. and IT, focusing on their implications for teaching, learning, and institutional governance.  

Alliances, Consortia, Equity, and Strategic Partnerships

This theme will explore the evolving landscape of strategic collaborations in higher education. As institutions strive to enhance global engagement and address complex challenges, strategic partnerships have become essential for fostering innovation, resource sharing, and mutual growth. This session will delve into the formation, management, and impact of such alliances, highlighting best practices and successful models from around the world. 

Key challenges in this field include navigating cultural and institutional differences, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and maintaining long-term sustainability. Additionally, aligning strategic goals across diverse institutions, managing stakeholder expectations, and addressing ethical considerations are critical for the success of these partnerships.  

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability

This theme will address the integration of core social responsibility and sustainable development principles into international education.  As higher education institutions strive to create inclusive and equitable environments, they face significant challenges in aligning their practices with these principles. 

Key challenges include addressing systemic inequalities, ensuring diverse representation, and fostering an inclusive culture that supports all students and staff.  Additionally, integrating sustainability into curricula and operations requires a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions.  Participants will explore strategies for overcoming these challenges, such as developing inclusive policies, promoting diverse leadership, and embedding sustainability into educational frameworks. 

Mobility 2.0 and International Partnerships

This theme focuses on redefining traditional mobility models to foster meaningful student and staff exchanges through dynamic international partnerships. As global higher education evolves, there is a pressing need to innovate and adapt mobility programs to better meet the needs of diverse academic communities. 

Key challenges in this field include navigating complex ensuring equitable access to mobility opportunities, and addressing the financial and logistical barriers that can hinder participation. Additionally, fostering deep, sustainable partnerships that go beyond short-term exchanges to include collaborative research, joint degree programs, and virtual mobility initiatives is essential 

We advise participants to book their accommodation in one of the following hotels which are all withinfrom walking distance from the venue. 

Leiden Hotels

You can book a room at one of the following Leiden hotels situated at a walking distance from Leiden Central Station and from wall conference venues.

All reservations can be made directly through the respective hotels. 

Golden Tulip Leiden Centre Hotel

Golden Tulip Leiden Centre is a four-star hotel located 200m from Leiden Central Station and close to motorway A44. You can reach the hotel by train from Schiphol Airport to Leiden Central.

The Golden Tulip Leiden Centre has guest rooms featuring a refined and homely atmosphere. All rooms are designed to offer the maximum of comfort comprising a modern bathroom, coffee and tea making facilities, a mini bar, a safe, a flatscreen TV and free Wi-Fi.

Address: Schipholweg 3, 2316 XB LEIDEN
Tel: + 31 71 408 3500
E-mail: Reservations@goldentulipleidencentre.nl

Tulip Inn Hotel

Tulip Inn is a three-star hotel located 200m from Leiden Central Station and close to motorway A44. You can reach the hotel by train from Schiphol Airport to Leiden Central.

The hotel offers a relaxing stay in a friendly, but refined environment. All rooms have full en suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, convenient walk-in showers and coffee and tea making facilities.

Address: Schipholweg 3, 2316 XB LEIDEN
Tel: + 31 71 408 3500
E-mail: Reservations@goldentulipleidencentre.nl

Ibis Leiden Centre Hotel

Ibis Leiden Centre is a three-star hotel located opposite the Leiden Central Station. You can reach the hotel by train from Schiphol Airport to Leiden Central.

The Ibis hotel offers warm, comfortable and cozy rooms equipped with the new Sweet Bed by ibis bedding, a bathroom and free WIFI - everything you need for a pleasant stay.

Rooms are available at the three-star Ibis Leiden Centre Hotel 
Booking: please contact directly the hotel via phone or email.        

Address: Stationsplein 240-242, 2312 AR LEIDEN
Tel: +31 71 516 0000
E-mail: H8087@ACCOR.COM

Hotel VIC

Hotel VIC is a new four-star hotel situated just across the street from Leiden Central Station. 

All rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. All units at Hotel VIC include air conditioning and a desk.

Booking website: www.hotelvic.nl

Address: Schuttersveld 2-4, 2316 ZA LEIDEN
Tel: +31 71 303 0750
E-mail: reservations@hotelvic.nl

City Hotel Nieuw Minerva

City Hotel Nieuw Minerva is a characteristic hotel right in the middle the historical centre of Leiden. 

The rooms are equipped with all modern conveniences that you can expect in a 3-star hotel.

Booking website: City Hotel Nieuw Minerva Leiden | Home

Address: Boommarkt 23, 2311 EA Leiden
Tel: +31 75126358
E-mail: hotel@nieuwminerva.nl

The city of Leiden has excellent train connections to the major Dutch cities and transit hubs. We encourage you to travel by train or bus if possible. 

Schiphol Airport 

There are about ten train services each hour to Leiden Central station (“Leiden Centraal”). The train station of Schiphol Airport is located underneath the central plaza.

Should you travel by international train services, we advise you to change trains at either Rotterdam Central Station, Amsterdam Central Station, or Utrecht Central Station. There are direct train services to Leiden Central. If available, take the Intercity Direct services (fewer stops), although there are no differences in ticket prices for Sprinter services (trains that stop at each station).  

You can either buy a ticket at the yellow vending machines, at the Service Desks, online (via website or via their Android or Iphone App), or just pay with your debit card (Maestro) or credit card (Master or Visa) at the check in/check out gates/poles by tapping your card on the card reader.  All modes of public transportation accept credit cards, so there is no need to purchase separate tickets unless it is needed for reimbursement purposes. 

The Dutch National Railways (“NS”) has an practical app (iOS or Android) which is also available in English. You can look up the time tables, get notifications for any changes in the schedule, and purchase your train tickets in the app.   

You can find additional travel details in the Practical Information section of Leiden University’s website.

Adventurous and have some spare time for some exploring? Below some information about some major cities in The Netherlands

• Leiden
• The Hague
• Rotterdam 
• Amsterdam 
• Utrecht

Leiden Market

Every Saturday there is a market in the city centre of Leiden from 08.00 to 17.00. From fashionable clothing, accesories, art and presents, to fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts!

Each Wednesday Leiden hosts an organic market at the Nieuwe Rijn from 08.00 to 17.00.