conferenceHHUStaff
Mon 29 Jun
- Tue 30 Jun
2026
UDUS · Haus der Universität (Düsseldorf)

Conference · No Language, No Alliance

The conference brings together a broad range of viewpoints on multilingualism. Best practices, shared experiences, and projects will be presented by representatives from alliances, academia, and funding bodies, while early-career and established researchers showcase current research on multilingualism.

Across the 73 European university alliances, multilingualism is part of everyday life: students, faculty, researchers, and administrative staff from 35 countries collaborate across linguistic and geographic boundaries to help shape Europe’s future – often using English as a common working language, yet bringing diverse communication styles and cultural perspectives to the table.

The conference brings together a broad range of viewpoints on multilingualism. Best practices, shared experiences, and projects will be presented by representatives from alliances, academia, and funding bodies, while early-career and established researchers showcase current research on multilingualism. Particular emphasis is placed on exchange and networking.

What to expect

  • Networking and exchange with other alliances and researchers
  • Presentations of best practices and ongoing projects
  • Panel discussion: “We end up speaking English anyway” – Navigating Communication in Multilingual Alliances on the role of English as a lingua franca in international higher-education communication
  • Accompanying workshops
  • Publication of selected contributions after the conference

Key Information

Venue

Haus der Universität (HdU)
Schadowplatz 14
40212 Düsseldorf

Haus der Universität (HdU) Schadowplatz 14

40212 Düsseldorf

The HdU is located in the heart of Düsseldorf, just a short walk from the famous Königsallee. As city-center parking is scarce and expensive, we highly recommend using public transport.

Public Transport
Stop “Schadowstraße”: Subway lines U71, U72, U73, U83.
Stop “Heinrich-Heine-Allee”: Accessible via all subway lines. From here, it is a 5-minute walk.
From Central Station (Hauptbahnhof): Take any subway towards “Altstadt / Heinrich-Heine-Allee” (approx. 3 minutes travel time).

Arrival by Car
If you choose to arrive by car, please use the nearby parking garages.
Schadow Arkaden Parking: approx. 3.50 EUR per hour.
Kö-Bogen Parking: approx. 3.20 EUR per hour. (Prices are subject to change, as of March 2026)

Further information

Preliminary Programme

Day Time Session Day Time Session
Monday, June 29    from 12:00 Arrival and Registration Tuesday, June 30    from 09:00 Doors Open and Welcome Coffee
Poster Presentations
13:00 Official Opening 09:30 Academic Session 2
13:30 Keynote
Prof. Dr. Tobias Schroedler
(Universität Duisburg-Essen)
“Multilingual Practices in the University: 
On the Role and Value 
of Different Languages 
in Higher Education Institutions”
12:00 Closing Remarks/End of Conference
14:30 Coffee Break 13:00 Guided City Tour (optional)
15:00 Academic Sessions 1
17:15 Panel discussion
“We end up speaking English anyway”
18:00 Networking / Get-together
Poster Presentations
19:00 Conference Dinner (at own expense)

 

Further Important Information

Accommodation
Düsseldorf is a major trade fair hub. We strongly recommend booking your hotel as early as possible to ensure availability and better rates.

Internet
Wi-Fi is available via eduroam throughout the Haus der Universität.

Catering
Refreshments (coffee, cold drinks, and snacks) will be provided during the conference sessions. Please note that the optional conference dinner on Monday evening is at your own expense (self-paid).

Accessibility
The venue is fully accessible. If you require specific assistance or have accessibility requirements, please indicate these in your registration form.

Register here