ISAB: IT:U Marks Rapid Progress
The International Strategic Advisory Board (ISAB) has praised the Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) for its rapid development and strategic progress since its founding in 2023. Following its meeting in Linz on June 25–26, 2025, the ISAB described the university’s progress over the past year as “remarkable,” highlighting the swift establishment of academic structures and the institution’s growing international appeal.
During the meeting, members – including international academic leaders such as Tuula Teeri, Founding President of Aalto University, Moshe Y. Vardi, AI expert and Editor-in-Chief of the renowned Communications of the ACM, and Victoria Nash, Director of the Oxford Internet Institute – discussed IT:U’s vision with its leadership and expressed their admiration for the pace of progress.
From having no faculty one year ago, IT:U has successfully recruited 11 founding professors – a number expected to double by the end of the year – along with six fellow professors, launched two PhD programs with nearly 40 students, all in all growing to 165 employees, developed state-of-the-art learning labs, and is preparing to start its first Master’s program in October 2025, for which more than 350 applications have already been received for 40 available places. According to ISAB, this level of achievement in such a short time reflects not only efficient implementation but also the strength of the university’s vision and leadership.
“The progress achieved within just one year is remarkable: twelve months ago, there were no faculty members at all – and already this October, a Master’s program will begin. The high number and outstanding profile of applications for professorships and study places clearly reflect the institution’s appeal. In an extraordinarily short time, an impressive amount has been accomplished.”
Tuula Teeri, ISAB Chair and former President of Aalto University in Finland.
The ISAB views IT:U as a pioneering institution that seeks to redefine the university model through interdisciplinary, project-based education and research with strong ethical grounding. The university’s focus on responsible technology development—particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence—is already reflected in its academic structures and recruitment priorities.
The Board emphasized that IT:U’s innovative educational approach, integration of art and design, and commitment to societal impact provide a strong foundation for long-term success. ISAB also noted the importance of strategic developments now underway, such as securing a dedicated campus and expanding non-academic leadership, to support continued institutional growth.
In its concluding assessment, the Board affirmed its strong support for IT:U’s vision and strategic direction, and sees clear potential for the university to serve as a national and international flagship institution.
“The ISAB’s report reinforces our approach and the importance of continuing it consistently. The members are experts in their respective fields and have already made significant contributions to the development of interdisciplinary universities and research. Their work is of great value to me – they make a decisive contribution to shaping IT:U, and I look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.”
Stefanie Lindstaedt, founding president of IT:U.
- Read the full ISAB report here.
Formed to guide the long-term development of the university, IT:U’s International Strategic Advisory Board brings together leading international experts from fields including molecular biology, political science, data science, university innovation, and Human-Computer Interaction. The Board was established to support IT:U’s mission through interdisciplinary insight and to ensure that the university remains aligned with global academic standards and societal needs. By contributing strategic advice and peer-level evaluation, the ISAB plays a key role in shaping IT:U’s direction as it addresses complex technological and societal challenges.