First International Conference on Excellence in Applied Higher Education
The First International Conference on Excellence in Applied Higher Education marks a major milestone in the global development of applied higher education. Convened under the UNESCO Chair on Strategic Foresight and Higher Education at HCT, the conference brings together senior leaders, policymakers, quality assurance experts, and applied higher education institutions from around the world.
The conference serves as the global platform for the Applied eXel framework, showcasing its vision, principles, and early impact, while fostering dialogue on how excellence in applied higher education can be defined, assessed, and advanced internationally.
Conference Objectives
- To explore global approaches to defining and assessing excellence in applied higher education
- To officially present Applied eXel as a framework for institutional transformation
- To share insights from institutions participating in the Applied eXel pilot
- To strengthen international cooperation and peer learning
- To formally launch the Applied eXel Global Network
Conference Programme Highlights
Thursday, 9 April 2026
09:00 – High-Level Opening
Opening session with senior leaders and international partners
09:30 – Keynote Address: Assessing Higher Education
A strategic perspective on evaluation, quality, and impact in contemporary higher education
10:15 – Applied eXel: A Framework for Transformation
Presentation by the UNESCO Chair on Strategic Foresight in Higher Education, introducing Applied eXel as a global model for applied excellence
10:45 – Break
11:15 – Roundtable: Excellence in Applied Higher Education
A moderated discussion with institutional leaders and experts on applied missions, quality, and future challenges
12:30 – Lunch & Networking
14:00 – Keynote Address: Labels as a Route to Excellence in Higher Education
Exploring how excellence labels can support institutional development, recognition, and trust
14:30 – Inspirational Testimonials
Insights and reflections from institutions using the Applied eXel framework during the pilot phase
15:15 – Break
15:45 – Lightning Talk: The Power of Cooperation
A focused session highlighting the value of collaboration and peer learning in applied higher education
16:00 – Awards Ceremony
Presentation of Applied eXel certificates to piloting institutions
16:30 – Closing Session
Official launch of the Applied eXel Global Network
19:00 – Gala Dinner (by Invitation)
Associated Events
Wednesday, 8 April 2026 – Peer Review Workshop
Institutions participating in the Applied eXel pilot will convene for a closed peer review workshop, focused on shared learning and benchmarking.
Friday, 10 April 2026 – HCT Study and Local Tour
Delegates are invited to participate in a local tour organised by HCT tourism students, showcasing applied learning in practice and engagement with the local context.
Who Should Attend
- Presidents, Rectors, and Senior Institutional Leaders
- Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness Leaders
- Policymakers and Higher Education Authorities
- Applied Higher Education Institutions and Networks
- Researchers and Experts in Higher Education Policy and Quality
Why Attend
- Engage in global dialogue on applied higher education excellence
- Gain early insight into the Applied eXel framework and Excellence Label
- Learn directly from pilot institutions and international experts
- Connect with a growing global network of applied higher education leaders
- Participate in the official launch of the Applied eXel Global Network
Register for the International Conference on Excellence in Applied Higher Education
Participation is free of charge. Registration is required to attend the conference and associated events.