Johannes B. Ortner Academy for Sustainability and Transformation 2–5 March 2027
Would you like to help shape a sustainable world?
Hochschule München is offering students from all universities an interdisciplinary sustainability workshop with Harald Lesch, Katrin Habenschaden and other sustainability experts such as Felix zu Löwenstein and Sina Hardaker, to be held in a small group by Lake Chiemsee.
A scholarship covers all costs whilst you are there, and a certificate confirming your participation can be added to your CV — regardless of your academic background or which college or university you are studying at.
Are you interested?
Unfortunately, this year’s Academy has already come to an end. We will let you know in good time when applications for 2027 open.
HM Academy
Please note: the following video is available in German only.
What’s it all about?
The workshop, organised by HM, provides food for thought on the topics of sustainability and Transformation. In a small group of 25 interested participants, topics relating to the future are discussed in a unique way within an inspiring setting.
The scholarship is funded by the Johannes B. Ortner Foundation.
Where is the workshop taking place?
Right on the shores of Lake Chiemsee at the Hotel Aiterbach in Rimsting – just an hour and a half from Munich, for example using the Deutschlandticket (Rimsting/Aiterbach bus stop).
What is the aim?
In this workshop, we want to discuss the topics of sustainability and Transformation and learn how to turn knowledge into action. Empowerment, food for thought, a change of perspective and stimulating discussion are at the heart of this!
Who’s coming along?
The line-up includes high-profile speakers such as Harald Lesch (co-organiser of the workshop), Katrin Habenschaden, Felix zu Löwenstein and Sina Hardaker, as well as lecturers from Hochschule München.
Who can take part?
Enrolled students from all higher education institutions (colleges or universities) are eligible to submit applications for the 25 places. International students are also very welcome. Students from all disciplines and at all degree levels (bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate) are expressly encouraged to submit applications.
Feedback from our participants
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers all participants’ costs for accommodation, meals and drinks (except for drinks with dinner). Travel to the venue must be organised and paid for by the participants themselves. The conference hotel can be reached from Munich by public transport in an hour and a half.
Highlights from the Johannes B. Ortner Academy 2025
A look at the programme for the 2026 workshop
The workshop offers a varied programme, insightful contributions from experts and discussions involving all participants. Excursions in the vicinity of the venue allow participants to explore the ideas in greater depth, whilst evening activities by the fireside or pub quizzes bring participants together to network and exchange ideas.
Monday 2 March 2026 |
Tuesday 3 March 2026 |
Wednesday 4 March 2026 |
Thursday 5 March 2026 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motto of the day | Empathy and openness | Humility in the face of complexity | The Power of Possibility | Facing the world with courage |
| In the morning | Welcome and getting to know each other From 10.00 am Welcome Klaus Kreulich Overview Academy Team Job interview process Participants | Nature and Values Circular Economy Georg Zollner Digital democracy Peter Dürr Renewable energy Christian Holler | Paths to Transformation BNE and Inner Development Goals Mandy Singer Brodowski, Claudia Hutten | Future projects Vision Pitches Participants Production Mood Boards Participants Game-Changer Presentations Participants |
| In the afternoon | Challenges and Visions The challenge of climate change, Sustainability Framework Academy Team Location specifications Participants Mission Future Katrin Habenschaden | Understanding systems System Earth Harald Lesch Food for the Future Felix zu Löwenstein . | Excursion to Fraueninsel | Reflection & Conclusion Stream of Consciousness Claudia Hutten & participants Reflection Georg Zollner & participants Farewell Academy Team |
| In the evening | Pub quiz Studentisches Green Office (a student-led sustainability office) | An evening by the fire Harald Lesch, Mandy Singer Brodowski | Short films featuring exchange programmes |
Each unit includes interactive elements (e.g. exercises, tasks, discussions). There are no exams, assessments or other forms of assessment.