International Staff Training Days

The next International Staff Training Days will take place May 19-21, 2027. Please see the available tracks, themes, and target groups down the page.

International Staff Training Days at the University of Helsinki is a chance to embark on a journey of professional growth and collaboration with our highly popular staff training days. Our unique programme offers a golden opportunity for non-academic staff working across various fields at institutions of higher education to exchange knowledge, skills, and experiences.
Why Participate
  1. Diverse Perspectives: Immerse yourself in a melting pot of ideas and perspectives. Engage with professionals from other insitutions of higher education and cultures, fostering a rich environment for learning, benchmarking and innovation. 
  2. Skills Enrichment: Update your professional skills and revise your routines through workshop collaboration. Familiarise with case studies and learn best practices, strategies, and techniques that can be applied to your own work environment, enhancing your overall professional competency.  

  3. Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with professionals from other universities. Exchange contact information, collaborate on future projects, and establish a global network that extends beyond the Staff Exchange. 

  4. Cultural Exchange: Experience a new work culture and environment. Immerse yourself in the local community and traditions while forging connections that go beyond professional boundaries. Gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives and enhance your cultural intelligence while also having fun along the way.
How to Apply
  1. The application period for ISEW 2027 is 18 January–15 February 2027. The link to the application form will be available on this page during the application period.
  2. Submitting Your Application: Complete our simple online application form by telling us more about your professional background and current role and by answering the track-specific questions. 
  3. Review Process: Our selection committee will carefully review all applications. Please make sure to only apply to a track that corresponds with your current work profile.
  4. Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with detailed information about the programme, including the schedule, accommodation options, and any preparatory steps required. A preparatory online meeting with accepted applicants will be held a few weeks before the staff training begins. Please note that we will not confirm any applications before the application period is over. 
The tracks on offer in May 2027

TRACK 1: Engaging university leadership in international networks and alliances

Target group: This track is for higher education professionals involved in strategic internationalisation through international networks and alliances. We're looking for participants who have stories to share, lessons learned (including the hard-earned ones), and perspectives on engaging institutional leadership in internationalisation. A short pre-workshop task is required, so this track is best suited to colleagues willing to invest a little time before arriving and a lot of energy once they are in Helsinki.

This track will discuss topics such as:   

  • Ideal engagement of university leaders in internationalisation: what is the role of university leadership in international networks, alliances, and global partnerships?
  • Translating strategies into operational actions: what is the role of professional support staff in engaging leadership and the university community in strategic internationalisation?
  • During a time of change: how to ensure continuity and engagement during leadership transitions?
  • Lessons learned and practical tools: what has worked, what has not? What practical tools can help strengthen leadership engagement?

TRACK 2: HR Partnership: Practical Ways to Support Academic Leadership in a Multicultural University Environment

Target group: HR Partners and HR Specialists who work with academic leaders

This track will discuss topics such as:

  • Effective, hands-on HR partnership tailored to support academic leadership within the diverse landscape of a multicultural university environment.
  • The focus will be on sharing and discussing HR approaches that the participants can apply to their own work.
  • Through workshops, case studies and the exchange of proven best practices, attendees will gain actionable insights and concrete tools to empower academic leadership and foster a supportive workplace culture.

TRACK 3: Research assessment 

Target group: 

  • Research assessment and research policy professionals
  • Experts supporting the implementation of responsible research assessment practices
  • Professionals involved in developing institutional research assessment, quality and impact processes
  • Research services and research management staff engaged in research assessment reform

This track will discuss topics such as:  

  • Implementing responsible research assessment principles in institutional practice
  • Research assessment reform and organisational change
  • The role of research assessment in supporting research quality and continuous improvement
  • Good practices, challenges and lessons learned from different universities and national contexts
  • Exchange of experiences, peer learning and networking among research support professionals

TRACK 4: Teaching Strategies for University Libraries

Target group: Professionals involved in teaching and teaching support in higher education

This track will discuss topics such as: 

  • Multi-professional collaboration in information literacy education
  • Library support and services from first-year studies to postdoctoral research
  • Online and hybrid teaching methods
Contact

International Staff Training Days:

If you have any inquiries related to the International Staff Training Days event, feel free to reach out by sending an email to .