On Friday, 14.11.2025, Hof University of Applied Sciences will open its doors for the Night of Science from 6 p.m. onwards and present itself with an exciting program as a lively meeting place for all those who want to experience science up close. From 4 p.m., interested parties can gain insights into research activities and current projects at the university in the building of the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) as part of Dies Academicus 2025.
As in previous years, the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der Hochschule Hof e.V. will be awarding prizes for innovative research and innovative teaching.
Awards from the Friends and Sponsors
Prize for innovative research
The prize for innovative research is awarded retrospectively for completed or partially completed projects and goes to a research team at the university that stands out against the background of social relevance and direct benefit for companies or start-ups in the region of Upper Franconia, India or worldwide. The aim is to deepen the topics, make them visible and expand networks in industry and science. The prize is awarded jointly by the Gesellschaft der Freunde und Förderer der Hochschule Hof e.V. and Hof University of Applied Sciences.
Prize for innovative teaching
Since 2017, the “Digitaler Aufbruch der Lehre” award has promoted innovations in digital teaching at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Teachers were recognized for successfully implemented and tested teaching concepts in which skills-based teaching was implemented using digital means.
The new “Prize for Innovative Teaching”, which was awarded for the first time in 2024 by the Friends and Sponsors, aims to consistently focus on skills-based teaching in the further development of teaching at Hof University of Applied Sciences. The prize is intended to encourage teachers to rethink the concept and methodology of skills-based teaching in both analog and digital teaching and to break down the traditional roles of teachers and learners by developing new teaching formats.
Jury and public vote
The winning teams from teaching and research will be selected in a two-stage process: After applying and submitting a short concept paper, an expert jury first selects the three best submissions. The teams present their projects at the Dies Academicus in short 8-minute presentations. The pitches will be recorded on video[AH1] and used for public relations purposes. A subsequent online vote by the visitors, together with the judgment of the expert jury, will decide on the awarding of prizes and further placements.
Short interview
The campuls editorial team spoke to Valentin Plenk, Vice President Research, Development and Entrepreneurship, about the exact schedule and program of this year’s Dies Academicus.
Prof. Plenk, this year is the 3rd Dies Academicus at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Why did you decide to link the event to the big “Night of Science”?
“By integrating the Dies Academicus into the Night of Science, we want to bring the diverse activities of our researchers closer to an even wider audience. Combining the two events creates valuable synergies: it offers our speakers a big stage and at the same time gives our guests more opportunities to experience science up close.”
Image: Hof University of Applied Sciences;
What exactly can visitors expect this year and how does the day work?
“The lecture series addresses current research topics and socially relevant issues. Our researchers will talk about their research and teaching innovation semesters on topics such as “AI in everyday life”, “Why de-bureaucratization doesn’t work” and why “democracy is under stress”. In addition, young researchers will be awarded teaching and research prizes via a direct vote.”
Who exactly is the program aimed at?
“Our invitation goes out to anyone who is curious about what “their” university actually does. We welcome visitors from outside as well as our colleagues and their families. Many people don’t even know what exciting projects and ideas are being developed here – the Night of Science and Dies Academicus are the perfect opportunity to change that. So come along, take your time and let yourself be surprised by what there is to discover at Hof University of Applied Sciences!”
