Partner universities from six countries visited LMU from 6 to 9 May 2025. A Staff Week, organized by the International Office, enabled participants to exchange views on important mobility issues.
Sustainability and international mobility
The Staff Week's main focus was on sustainability and green travel in the context of international mobility for students and staff members - one of the current Erasmus+ program generation's key themes, alongside inclusion and digitalization. The guests from France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Norway, the UK and Israel had the opportunity to network with colleagues from similar fields, share best practices and get to know LMU and its various locations.
"How can we strike a balance between the growing demand for stays abroad, on the one hand, and the impact of travel on the environment on the other? How can universities support their students and staff in making stays abroad as environmentally friendly as possible, from travel planning to individual behavior in the respective country? These are important questions that universities need to ask themselves," says Claudia Wernthaler, Erasmus+ team lead at LMU.
These and other questions were discussed intensively by the participants. "Staff Weeks offer a great opportunity to understand how different universities deal with specific topics and to learn from and with one another," emphasizes Claudia Wernthaler.
Professor Ralf Ludwig placed the topic in a scientific context with his presentation on "Sustainable Development in Times of Climate Change." His talk made the influence of travel and consumer behavior very clear and showed how individuals' actions can contribute to combating climate change.
In subsequent keynote speeches, colleagues from the partner universities and LMU presented initiatives and best practice examples, such as the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) initiative, the Sustainable Erasmus+ Travel (SET) project, and the Green Office at LMU's campus in Martinsried. Further ideas for practice-oriented activities were gathered in the workshop "Sustainability in Action" led by Philippa Menzel, Erasmus Outgoing Coordinator at LMU and DAAD Erasmus expert for sustainability.
Partner universities at study-abroad fair
In addition to discussing sustainability issues, the Staff Week participants also had the opportunity to take part in LMU's International Week. This event is aimed at students interested in studying abroad and includes online info sessions as well as an in-person study-abroad fair. During the fair in the "Lichthof" of LMU's main building, the guests were able to meet interested LMU students and give first-hand information about their respective universities.
The Staff Week was rounded off with campus tours at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz and Martinsried, as well as a cultural program. Organizers and participants alike were very happy with the event and look forward to hopefully meeting again soon.
Further information on the LMU Erasmus team's initiatives and activities concerning sustainability and mobility can be found in the current DAAD impact report, starting on page 50.