Deggendorf, Germany – September 23-25, 2026
Author: Genevieve B. Kupang
Dean, Graduate School & International Relations Officer, Baguio Central University | WURI Historian (2024–Present)
Photo Credit: Deggendorf Institute of Technology
Baguio Central University (BCU) renewed its commitment to global academic innovation at the 3rd World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Conference held at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). The rationale of the conference focused on four objectives: leveraging higher education to solve pressing societal, environmental, and crisis-management issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); implementing frameworks for ethical AI adoption, personalized digital learning, and adaptive curricula to prepare graduates for evolving global workforces; building an inclusive international platform where national, regional, and provincial institutions share best practices, foster cross-border partnerships, and collaborate on equal footing; and shifting ranking criteria from citation counts and historic prestige toward actionable, real-world impact measured by innovativeness, feasibility, and sustainability.
The 3rd WURI Global Conference 2026 kicked off with dynamic plenary sessions led by global academic leaders and host institution representatives at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT). Highlighting the opening ceremonies were welcome addresses by WURI Foundation Chair Dr. Dong-Sung Cho, DIT President Waldemar Berg, and Conference leader from DIT Dr. Ulrike Sauckel, alongside a keynote address by former DIT President Peter Sperber on “The WURI Idea: From Vision to Impact”. A core feature of the opening day was the unveiling of the WURI Ranking 2026 overview by Dr. Kyung-Sung Kim, Chair of WURI Ranking, followed by the presentation of the Award to the Most Innovative University and 24 category awards celebrating groundbreaking academic projects worldwide.
Delivering the keynote address titled “The WURI Idea: From Vision to Impact,” Prof. Dr. Peter Sperber, former President of the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), emphasized that internationalization must serve a purpose beyond academic decoration; it must drive active regional development. Reflecting on DIT’s growth, he highlighted how higher education institutions can reverse regional “brain drain” into “brain gain” by establishing purpose-driven international campuses and technology research hubs that bring knowledge directly to real-world problems. Dr. Sperber stressed that when universities, local governments, and industry partners collaborate, students solve real problems while companies gain essential expertise, shifting the fundamental question of higher education from “What can we discover?” to “Who benefits from it?” He concluded that WURI complements traditional ranking models by focusing on social impact, practical innovation, and shareable best practices that enable peer institutions worldwide to grow together.
Day 1 Afternoon Parallel Sessions: Elevating Student Support and Values Integration
On the afternoon of the opening day, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, Dean of the Graduate School and International Relations Officer, and Mr. Karl Matthieu B. Rillera, University Marketing Officer, represented Baguio Central University on the international stage. Sharing the floor with fellow delegates from the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) Germany, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod (CSAB), St. Paul University Philippines, Golden Values School, and other esteemed institutions, they co-led enriching parallel sessions focused on Student Support Systems (Category A1) and Cultural and Values Integration (Category B4).
Dr. Kupang’s presentation on Project H.A.R.M.O.N.Y. combined with Project P.E.A.C.E. deeply resonated throughout the session. Commending BCU’s community-centered, value-driven methodologies, international presenter Piia Dorn shared: “We are so touched by your sharing; it touched us deeply, and we truly admire your university’s activities and innovative case.” This sentiment was warmly echoed by fellow Philippine delegates during an informal evening meet-up at the Scotty & Paul Hotel Deggendorf, where one participant remarked, “We did not only hear you, we felt you.” The heartfelt reception highlighted the dedicated work of BCU’s writers, researchers, and contributors whose efforts brought these transformative initiatives to the global stage.
Continuing the momentum under Categories A1 and A2, Mr. Karl Matthieu B. Rillera presented Project K.A.D.W.A. (Knowledge, Ally, Development, Well-being, Advocacy), an exemplary student support and engagement initiative pioneered by BCU’s Guidance Services Office. Spearheaded by Office Head Ms. Judith Adina alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team—Ms. Rufina Cas-oy (Senior High School Guidance Advocate), Ms. Lhara Mae Khayog (Elementary & Junior High School Guidance Advocate), Ms. Emalyn Maranes (University Psychometrician), and Ms. Dannadrae Roy (College Guidance Advocate), the program redefines traditional guidance into an active, compassionate support network.
By combining community-rooted empathy with structured mental health frameworks, Baguio Central University demonstrated that global educational innovation begins with genuine compassion at home. Through flagship initiatives like Project H.A.R.M.O.N.Y., Project P.E.A.C.E., and Project K.A.D.W.A., BCU proves that transformative education extends far beyond classroom walls, touching local lives while inspiring academic communities worldwide.
With profound humility and immense gratitude, Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang and Mr. Karl Matthieu B. Rillera extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Baguio Central University Administration, under the visionary leadership of University President and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Margarita Cecilda B. Rillera, alongside the Vice Presidents and Deans, Program Coordinators, Faculty, Non-teaching personnel, Students, and Partners for their steadfast support and trust in granting them the honor to represent BCU on the international stage. They likewise express their deepest respect and admiration to the brilliant case writers, researchers, and innovators across the university. It is through their tireless dedication, scholarly passion, and transformative vision that Baguio Central University’s meaningful contributions were brought to life and celebrated in the global WURI rankings.