The Bachelor's programme in International Relations and Management (IRM) is an interdisciplinary full-time programme lasting seven semesters, combining economics, political science, cultural studies and linguistics, and including both a semester abroad and an internship abroad. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of business administration, economics, law, statistics, languages and intercultural skills, enabling them to navigate international contexts with ease.
On 6 June 2025, around 100 guests gathered in lecture hall A001 at OTH Regensburg – including lecturers, external partners, alumni and students – to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the interdisciplinary programme.
The event was opened with a welcome address by the Vice-President, Prof. Dr Birgit Rösel. This was followed by the two founders of the programme, Prof. Dr Gabriele Blod and Prof. Dr Claudia Woerz-Hackenberg, who offered exciting insights into the beginnings of International Relations and Management as part of a discussion moderated by Ulrike de Ponte.
Afterwards, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Natural and Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Katherine Gürtler, gave a presentation on current developments within the ‘IRM family’ and the ways in which IRM is making an impact on the world.
After the lunch break, the programme continued with a stimulating lecture entitled ‘Without IRM, it's not possible (anymore)’ by Prof. Dr. Wilfried Dreyer. Prof. Dr Julia Hartmann then moderated a round table discussion with two alumnae, Ms Celine Fechter from Siemens AG and Ms Martina Hierl, who is doing her Master's in Human Resource Management at OTH, as well as three external partners – from the Regensburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Regensburg District Office and Schaeffler AG – on the topic of the workforce of the future.
This was followed by the roundtable discussion ‘IRM ReConnect’, moderated by Prof. Dr. Thomas Groll, in which he spoke with the alumni, Ms. Franziska Brunnbauer from Porsche AG, Ms. Steffi Graf, Mr. Andreas Felber – both employed at SAP – and Mr. Arndt Hammerich from Salesforce, about their path into business after graduation.
After a short coffee break, Prof. Dr. Markus Bresinsky chaired the third roundtable entitled ‘Global International Challenges,’ in which he discussed the topic with the support of alumnae and alumni Ms Jule Brischar, who recently completed her Master's degree in International Organisations and Crisis Management, Ms Inge Stipsitz, who had just returned from a UN mission in Colombia, Mr Thomas Lehner from Spryker and Mr Michael Ettel, who is studying for a Master's degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action.
Between the programme items, short video messages from language lecturers on the programme were played, conveying personal greetings and adding an additional personal touch.
At the end of the event, following the closing remarks by the dean, the programme's network association, IRM Network e.V., which actively supported the organisation of the anniversary, introduced itself and cordially invited all guests to join in the anniversary celebrations with a barbecue.
The anniversary event provided an opportunity for reflection, exchange and networking – and was a complete success in every respect.
We would like to thank Prof. Dr Birgit Rösel, Vice-President of OTH Regensburg, for the ceremonial opening, as well as the founders of the programme, Prof. Dr Gabriele Blod and Prof. Dr Claudia Woerz-Hackenberg, who provided an exciting review of the beginnings of IRM. Special thanks go to Ms Ulrike de Ponte, who not only moderated the anniversary event, but also organised it. Many thanks also to IRM Network e.V., which actively supported the organisation of the anniversary.
