HAWAII-2025: Artificial intelligence revolutionizes university teaching - A week full of inspiration and innovation

A beacon for the future of university teaching

The higher education landscape is facing a digital revolution: artificial intelligence is not only changing the way we work, but also the way we teach and learn. From September 22 to 26, 2025, Baden-Württemberg will become the center of this transformation when the online conference HAWAII-2025 – HAW Artificial Intelligence: Inspiration, Impulse, Innovation, Impact – takes place.

The office of the Study Commission for Higher Education Didactics (GHD), together with HAW BW e.V. and all 24 universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, invites you to this special event. But what makes HAWAII-2025 so unique in the German higher education landscape?

An initiative for more innovation in teaching

“Artificial intelligence is currently one of the most dynamic topics in university teaching,” explains Dr. Thomas D’Souza from the Office of the Study Commission for University Didactics. “It opens up new didactic potential, but also raises challenges and questions that we need to reflect on together. Right now, it is important to responsibly explore the opportunities and limits and to prepare teachers and students well for this.”

Practical, reflective, future-oriented – the HAWAII format

“HAWAII 2025 is practical, reflective and future-oriented,” emphasizes D’Souza. “Unlike curated specialist conferences, it offers an agile structure: over 70 compact contributions showcase concrete examples of good practice from teaching, which participants can visit flexibly according to their own schedule. This makes diversity visible and directly usable.”

Nationwide networking creates innovation

A particular added value of the HAWAII conference lies in its state-wide orientation. All 24 universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg contribute their expertise, creating a unique platform for exchange across university boundaries.

“The state-wide framework creates visibility for the enormous innovative strength at the UAS in Baden-Württemberg,” explains D’Souza. “The direct exchange between lecturers across university borders enables networking, mutual inspiration and the further development of their own teaching.”

From ethics to chatbots: the variety of topics

The HAWAII-2025 program spans an impressive range: From AI-supported teaching and learning formats to scientific work and writing to university-wide AI strategies. There is a particular focus on ethical perspectives, critical thinking and reflection on the responsible use of AI technologies.

Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences is also contributing to the event with four innovative contributions:

• Prof. Dr. Susanne Kruse presents approaches to promoting scientific skills in dealing with AI
• Prof. Dr. Andreas Helfrich-Schkarbanenko reports on AI-supported document creation
• Prof. Dr. Jannik Strötgen presents a chatbot as an assistant in the internship office
• Prof. Dr. Jeremias Rößler presents a concept for fully automated lecture follow-up

Sustainable impetus for the university landscape

HAWAII-2025 aims to be more than just a one-off event. The conference aims to initiate sustainable changes in German university teaching. “HAWAII 2025 not only aims to inspire, but also to provide lasting impetus: How can we use AI in a meaningful, didactically reflective and future-oriented way?” is how D’Souza formulates the ambition. “The practical examples are intended to encourage people to further develop their own teaching concepts and constructively integrate AI into everyday university life.”

Open to all – free of charge and accessible nationwide

A particular advantage of HAWAII-2025 is its openness: the conference is not only aimed at lecturers at HAW Baden-Württemberg, but is open to university members and interested parties from all over Germany. Participation is completely free of charge.

“The conference is open to teachers, university staff and interested parties nationwide,” explains D’Souza. “Anyone who wants to take part will benefit from an extraordinary variety of topics – from ethical issues and examinations to very practical AI tools for teaching. Participation is also free of charge.”

A unique overview of AI in teaching

What makes HAWAII-2025 particularly special is the participation of all 24 universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg. This comprehensive representation provides a unique insight into the breadth and creativity of AI in university teaching.

“One of the highlights is the variety of topics: From AI-supported teaching and learning formats to scientific work and writing to university-wide AI strategies,” says D’Souza. “I find it particularly exciting that all 24 UAS are represented – this creates a unique overview of the breadth and creativity in dealing with AI.”

Register now and help shape the future

HAWAII-2025 promises a week full of inspiration, practical tips and forward-looking impulses. The conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, network and develop for all those who want to actively shape the digital transformation of university teaching.

👉 F urther information on the program and free registration

The future of university teaching will be digital, intelligent and collaborative – be there when Baden-Württemberg becomes the innovation center for AI in education from 22 to 26 September 2025!

Cover picture: Freepik