Driestar Christian University for Teacher Education (DCU) recently participated in the INCHE Europe partners meeting held in Bergen, Norway. The gathering was hosted by NLA University College, who provided a warm welcome and excellent organisation throughout the event.
The meeting brought together representatives from 10 institutions across 9 countries — including Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighting the international and diverse nature of the INCHE network. DCU was actively represented in the discussions, contributing to the strategic dialogue on future collaboration within the network. The INCHE Global Office was also present, represented by its new Executive Director, Deborah Haarsma, strengthening the connection between regional and global developments.
The programme began with a shared dinner on Thursday evening, 9 April 2026, offering participants the opportunity to reconnect and build relationships in an informal setting. On Friday 10 April, a full day of discussions focused on the future direction of INCHE Europe.
Shaping the Future: Project Plan 2026–2030
A central part of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Project Plan 2026–2030.
Participants, including representatives from DCU, reflected on how INCHE Europe and its member institutions relate to the plan’s objectives and proposed activities. Through a combination of clarifying questions and group discussions, attendees explored institutional perspectives, potential contributions, and opportunities for future collaboration.
The discussion demonstrated a strong shared commitment among member institutions to further develop the plan. At the same time, it became clear that success will depend not only on vision, but on the ability to translate this into focused, structured, and actionable collaboration.
Key priorities moving forward include:
- Strengthening ownership at both institutional and individual levels, supported by clear roles, dedicated coordinators, and the allocation of time and resources.
- Adopting a “one theme per year” strategy to move from broad ambitions to tangible impact and deeper engagement.
- Enhancing connectivity and communication across the network through regular interaction and clearer collaboration structures.
Ultimately, INCHE Europe’s added value lies in its ability to bring institutions together around shared challenges, enabling meaningful collaboration and collective impact in Christian higher education.
Concrete Initiatives and Future Activities
In addition to strategic discussions, several concrete initiatives were confirmed for the coming years.
Student Programme in Croatia
One of the highlights is the upcoming INCHE Europe Student Programme, which will take place in April (Week 15) 2027 at Evangelical Theological Seminary Osijek (ETS) in Croatia. This programme will bring students and staff together around key contemporary themes, combining academic reflection with intercultural exchange.
Reading Circles: Faith and Scholarship
Over the coming year, INCHE Europe will launch a series of Reading Circles focused on the theme of “Integration of Faith in Scholarship/Sciences.” Scholars from across partner institutions — including DCU — will be invited to participate. International officers will communicate further details and encourage engagement within their institutions. These reading circles aim to deepen academic reflection and foster collaboration around this core theme.
New Thematic Developments
In addition, a new project will be initiated around holistic intelligence, building on earlier conversations within the global network and exploring its relevance for Christian higher education.
Looking Ahead
Plans are also underway for a new INCHE Conference in 2028, which will further strengthen collaboration and provide a platform for shared learning and research dissemination.
A Strong and Growing Network
The presence of university leaders and international officers once again underlined the importance of collaboration at multiple institutional levels. The annual INCHE Europe gathering continues to play a vital role in strengthening relationships, sharing expertise, and inspiring joint initiatives.
Through shared commitment, concrete actions, and a focus on meaningful collaboration, INCHE Europe continues to build a strong community dedicated to shaping the future of Christian higher education.
