FAITH Project Ethiopia Members Visit CHE in Gütersloh, Germany , September 10, 2026.

FAITH Project Ethiopia Members Visit CHE in Gütersloh, Germany , September 10, 2026,
Members of the FAITH Project from Ethiopia and the Netherlands visited the Centre for Higher Education in Gütersloh, Germany, as part of the FAITH project’s scheduled field visits to partner institutions.
CHE, a member institution of the FAITH project, hosted the visiting the members for a full day programme with the discussion focused on higher education development, digitization, applied research, innovation, and transferable approaches in higher education.
The programme provided the FAITH project members with an opportunity to learn about CHE’s work and exchange experiences with German higher education experts.
The programme began with a welcome session led by Caroline Friedhoff, followed by a presentation by Johanna Leifeld on Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in German Higher Education. The presentation pointed out current developments and approaches to digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in the German higher education sector.
Dr. Isabel Roessler and Dr. Nicolas Reum presented Applied Research Projects at CHE, introducing the visitors to CHE’s research activities and practical approaches to addressing challenges in the higher education sector.
An Introduction to CHE was delivered by Prof. Dr. Frank Ziegele, providing an overview of CHE’s role, activities, and contribution to higher education development.
The programme continued with a presentation by Bianca Brinkmann and Dr. Sigrun Nickel on “Dual Study Programmes in Germany: Concepts and Characteristics.” The session introduced the participants to the German dual study model and its links between higher education and practical workplace learning.
The final presentation was delivered by Natalya Sharovatova on HEInnovate: Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education. The presentation focused on approaches to strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship within higher education institutions.
The visit concluded with a cClosing dDiscussion and nNext Ssteps, led by Caroline Friedhoff. The concluding session provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the day’s discussions, identify areas of common interest, and outline possible next steps for continued collaboration.
The field visit strengthened the exchange of knowledge and experience between the FAITH project partners and CHE and provided the Ethiopian participants with insights into German approaches to higher education, digitalisationdigitalization, applied research, dual study programmes, and innovation.