IT:U among Top 3 at Minerva AWARD 2025
The accessibility concept “Accessible University” developed by IT:U is among the three most innovative and impactful initiatives of the Minerva AWARD 2025 in the category DEI initiatives for companies with fewer than 500 employees.
IT:U Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). This commitment was recognized at the Minerva AWARD 2025 in the category DEI initiatives for companies with fewer than 500 employees: A confirmation of IT:U’s accessibility concept “Accessible University – A University Without Barriers”. The aim of the initiative is to foster a university culture that values diversity and ensures equal participation for all members.
University without Barriers
This also includes jointly supporting and promoting equal opportunities and accessibility. The principle of “Universal Design” demonstrates that barrier-free digital and physical environments not only benefit people with disabilities, but also offer advantages for everyone: subtitles in videos, a choice of alternative media formats, well-structured documents, automatic doors or elevators, and wayfinding systems in public buildings make life easier for us all.
“I am convinced that actions speak louder than words. For example, we are already implementing this principle by making accessibility a non-negotiable criterion in software procurement”.
Gerd Krizek, Head of the Division Study Portfolio & Student Affairs at IT:U.
The Minerva Gala on May 25, 2025, provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with other stakeholders about challenges and opportunities.
“We are honored to have been nominated for the Minerva AWARD 2025 and are pleased to showcase our approach to inclusive university design – because everyone benefits from the ‘Universal Design’ approach. Especially the higher education sector still has much room to grow”.
Stefanie Lietze, Higher Education Quality Assurance Officer & Equal Opportunities Manager at IT:U.