From 11–17 October 2026, the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at Ruhr University Bochum will host the DAAD Alumni Conference 2026 under the theme "Rethinking Global Development: New Priorities and the Post-2030 Framework."

The conference will bring together international alumni, researchers, and practitioners from the partner programmes MADM (IEE), MIDE (HTW Berlin), SEPT (Leipzig University), Development and Governance (University of Duisburg-Essen), and International Relations and Development Policy (University of Duisburg-Essen) to discuss current challenges and future directions in global development.

Over the course of the week, participants will engage in keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and networking activities, fostering exchange across disciplines, regions, and professional backgrounds.

Alumni of the MADM, MIDE, SEPT, Development and Governance, and International Relations and Development Policy programmes are welcome to attend the conference. Students enrolled in one of the above-mentioned programmes who would like to participate are invited to contact the organising team. Participation is possible on a self-funded basis, subject to availability. For more details, please refer to the call for applications and the preliminary programme.

For further information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Image Copyright: © Mirko Raatz