This year's meeting of the Professional Development Research Network (PDRnet), hosted by the Department of Vocational and Business Education at the University of Kassel, took place from March 26 to 28, 2025. The Institute for Vocational Education at Faculty 07 welcomed almost 40 researchers from vocational and business education and related fields, who exchanged ideas on topics related to vocational learning and development. Two guests from Finland and representatives from a total of nine universities from all over Germany took part in the conference.

The conference began on Wednesday with an informal meeting in the evening, before the scientific exchange began on Thursday on the basis of a total of nine presentations with subsequent discussions spread over two days. The conference covered a wide range of topics: from teacher training and dual training models to innovative digital teaching and learning formats.

The lectures took place in the so-called "Berufsschulwerkstatt" on the main campus of the University of Kassel, which provided the perfect setting for the conference with its modern equipment, inspiring working environment and a "Kassel corner" with insights into the region. In addition to the lectures and discussion rounds, the focus was also on strengthening international research partnerships and interdisciplinary exchange. Participants took the opportunity to receive valuable feedback on their projects, strengthen contacts and initiate new collaborations. The day was rounded off with a joint dinner on Thursday evening.

During the meeting, the long-standing coordinator of the network, Prof. Dr. Christian Harteis, handed over the reins to Prof. Dr. Michael Goller from the University of Kassel. Prof. Dr. Goller is looking forward to continuing the network.

The next PDRnet meeting is already being planned and will take place in Konstanz in June 2026. The participants are looking forward to continuing the exchange on current research projects and developments relating to vocational learning and professional development.

Click here for the article by the Department of Vocational and Business Education.