EDUCATION CAMPUS KUFSTEIN: EXCHANGE WITH TOP POLITICIANS

Last week, representatives of the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences and the International School Kufstein (ISK) Tirol welcomed Governor Anton Mattle, District Governor Dr. Kurt Berek and Kufstein Mayor Martin Krumschnabel to the education campus in Kufstein for an exchange on regional educational interests. The meeting focussed on discussions about the current situation in the education sector at the Kufstein campus and the intensification of synergies between the ISK, Kufstein University of Applied Sciences and other educational institutions in Tyrol.

PROMOTING CO-OPERATION

"The increased cooperation underlines the importance of Kufstein as an educational centre," says UAS Managing Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Thomas Madritsch. Together with Rector Prof. (FH) Dr. Mario Döller, he gave a presentation on the new, forward-looking degree programmes and innovative research projects. The Chairman of the Foundation Board, Dr. Herbert Marschitz, gave a brief outlook on the new student residence on the former barracks site, which is currently being planned. ISK Director Ian Barnes and ISK Managing Director Walter Weiskopf then reported on the unique educational programme and international orientation. ISK Tirol offers a consistent, high-quality and globally accredited education for students aged ten to 18. "With this expansion, the successful development of the ISK and the university of applied sciences will also be continued in terms of space," says the Chairman of the Foundation's Advisory Board, Councillor Hans K. Reisch.

KUFSTEIN AS A CENTRE OF EDUCATION

Mayor Martin Krumschnabel emphasised the importance of expanding the education and school facilities in Tyrol's second largest city. The Campus at the city park is growing: around 340 students are now being taught at the ISK and the University of Applied Sciences was allocated 25 additional study places by the Federal Ministry last year. "Our most important raw material is the knowledge and skills of Tyroleans. Educational institutions such as the International School Kufstein Tirol and the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences are doing a great job here," said Governor Anton Mattle, who was delighted to come to Kufstein. "From the right to child education and childcare to dual training and the university landscape - Tirol is a thriving centre of education. Kufstein's educational institutions in particular make a significant contribution to this."

OPENING OF THE NEW PREMISES IN THE GALLHAUS

The highlight of the event was the opening and tour of the new premises of the educational campus in the Gallhaus. Numerous guests of honour, including the founding father of Kufstein University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Walter J. Mayr, and the former Chairman of the Foundation Board, Dr. Siegfried Dillersberger, marvelled at the new Center of Arts and Science of ISK Tirol, which extends over two floors. In addition to specialised classrooms for visual arts, music and theatre as well as a biology laboratory, it also houses a multi-purpose room including a bouldering wall, which is available for dance lessons and ÖH sports outside of school hours. The new building also houses the Josef Ressel Centre for Multimedia Analysis in Mobility, which will open in 2023.

In his speech, Dr. Marschitz emphasised the important role of the two Kufstein lighthouse projects - the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences and the International School Kufstein Tirol. The founding years in particular and the extremely positive development of both institutions since then are exemplary of innovation and educational quality in the region.

Marschitz also expressly thanked the town of Kufstein, the state of Tyrol and the federal government for their financial support. This has made it possible to create an inspiring and future-orientated learning environment that offers both ISK pupils and students at the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences the best conditions for their personal and professional development.