Programme elements

INSPIRATION – INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INTERCULTURAL

The programme of the Oskar von Miller Forum consists of three main components. One of these components is guest scientists who, as scientists in residence, share their know-how and experience and are available as mentors for the scholarship holders. They contribute to and enrich the programme as well as day-to-day life at the Oskar von Miller Forum both from a professional and an intercultural point of view. The second component is the public programme of events that provides inspiration for the students’ professional development. Internationally renowned experts hold sophisticated lectures on topics in construction engineering and related fields. The third component is the intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange between the scholarship holders, which is nurtured by living and working together. For example, in tandem presentations, they share insights into their studies or their research projects. A number of additional in-house activities are organised by the scholarship holders on their own initiative. They furthermore enhance their social skills by taking part in personal development seminars.

EXCELLENCE

The Oskar von Miller Forum offers future civil and environmental engineers, architects and construction technicians temporary accommodation and contributes excellent ideas and inspiration to their education through its programme. In dialogue with guest scientists from across the globe, scholarship holders enhance and extend their interests and are thus prepared for working life with tasks spanning different disciplines. It is in this way that the Oskar von Miller Forum fosters their pursuit of excellence. The Oskar von Miller Forum considers technical expertise and social skills to lie at the heart of excellence. Characteristics like personal initiative, staying power, a sense of responsibility and specialist knowledge are of central importance, as are the ability and willingness to communicate as well as taking appropriate actions and showing reliability.

CAREER ASSISTANCE

Scholarship holders are given the opportunity to receive personal assistance and support to promote their career development through individual counselling sessions with team members from the Oskar von Miller Forum. Questions discussed may relate to students’ professional development, personal expectations regarding their future career path or specific feedback on their portfolios or CVs. Students can also obtain recommendations concerning suitable further in-house or external training.

LECTURES

The Oskar von Miller Forum is a venue for forward-looking academic lectures related to building. The high-profile keynote and evening lectures follow an interdisciplinary, intercultural and innovative approach: their emphasis is on topics of current interest in engineering, architecture and other construction-related areas, taking account of social trends and developments. Keynote lectures address central issues in engineering across the disciplines, and the evening lectures focus on issues of topical interest.

INHOUSE EVENTS

Workshops Excellent scientists are invited as mentors for the scholarship holders in the framework of the Scientists-in-Residence programme. They share their expertise in workshops and other events. In addition, the scientists take an active part in the in-house programme and day-to-day life at the Oskar von Miller Forum.

Workshop talks The workshop talks are a source of inspiration for scholarship holders to plan their future careers. Entrepreneurs explain how to start up a company or professionals from engineering or architectural firms discuss the particular challenges of complex projects with the scholarship holders.

Tandem presentations All scholarship holders present essential aspects of their work or projects in the form of tandem presentations, thereby engaging in an interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and experience. In addition, by organising the work on their own, they define their own priorities and develop their personal strengths beyond their particular field of specialisation.

Personal development seminars Seminars prepare scholarship holders for their future role as leaders in industry, teaching and research in the building and construction sector. First and foremost, they receive training in the integrative skills of perception and communication. Topics such as job interview training, employee management, conversational skills and international etiquette are addressed. The seminars are tailored to meet the individual needs of the residents in cooperation with professional trainers.

Welcome excursion, summer party and Christmas party A joint excursion at the beginning of the winter semester promotes the integration of new scholarship holders and fosters a positive community spirit. The summer party offers scholarship holders and guest scientists the opportunity to meet alumni and build effective social and professional networks. The Christmas party provides the opportunity to pause and look back on the past year.

Concert In keeping with its interdisciplinary and intercultural approach, the Oskar von Miller Forum fosters the cultural and social skills of the scholarship holders. Therefore, concerts featuring young artists take place once per year to build bridges between architecture and music.

EVENTS ORGANISED IN COOPERATION WITH PARTNERS

Associations and organisations have the opportunity to use the Oskar von Miller Forum as a venue for events themed around construction and building. Scholarship holders are invited to attend them and receive additional career inspiration. Sophisticated academic content is the basis for all events held at the Oskar von Miller Forum.