{"id":12929,"date":"2025-08-13T11:21:29","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T09:21:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/it-u.at\/?p=12929"},"modified":"2025-08-13T11:45:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T09:45:20","slug":"isab-itu-marks-rapid-progress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/it-u.at\/en\/news\/isab-itu-marks-rapid-progress\/","title":{"rendered":"ISAB: IT:U Marks Rapid Progress\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u201326, 2025, the ISAB described the university\u2019s progress over the past year as \u201cremarkable,\u201d highlighting the swift establishment of academic structures and the institution\u2019s growing international appeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the meeting, members \u2013 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<\/em>, and Victoria Nash, Director of the Oxford Internet Institute \u2013 discussed IT:U\u2019s vision with its leadership and expressed their admiration for the pace of progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From having no faculty one year ago, IT:U has successfully recruited 11 founding professors \u2013 a number expected to double by the end of the year \u2013  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\u2019s 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\u2019s vision and leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a0\u201cThe progress achieved within just one year is remarkable: twelve months ago, there were no faculty members at all \u2013 and already this October, a Master\u2019s program will begin. The high number and outstanding profile of applications for professorships and study places clearly reflect the institution\u2019s appeal. In an extraordinarily short time, an impressive amount has been accomplished.\u201d<\/p>\nTuula Teeri, ISAB Chair and former President of Aalto University in Finland.  <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s focus on responsible technology development\u2014particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence\u2014is already reflected in its academic structures and recruitment priorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Board emphasized that IT:U\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its concluding assessment, the Board affirmed its strong support for IT:U\u2019s vision and strategic direction, and sees clear potential for the university to serve as a national and international flagship institution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe ISAB\u2019s 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 \u2013 they make a decisive contribution to shaping IT:U, and I look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\nStefanie Lindstaedt, founding president of IT:U.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n