8th European Conference on Gender Equality in Higher Education – Invitation Letter

September 3-5, 2014 
Vienna, Austria
“On behalf of the local Organizing Committee and the Scientific Committee, it is my great pleasure and honor to invite you to Austria for the 8th European Conference on Gender Equality in Higher Education. The European conferences on gender equality in higher education have since 1998 regularly brought together hundreds of gender equality practitioners, researchers, administrators and policy makers from Europe and beyond. 
These conferences provide a unique international forum to discuss and exchange information and experiences, and to share research results on the changes and challenges related to gender in academia, gender equality promotion and interventions in higher education and research institutions. In September 2014 the Vienna University of Technology invites researchers, university teachers, administrators, policy makers and practitioners and students to attend the 8th European Conference on Gender Equality in Higher Education.
Almost 20 years after the World Conference on Women in Bejing and after 15 years of Gender Mainstreaming in the European Union it is time to reflect critically on the status quo and to develop new strategies for the future. This conference will offer the participants from all over Europe and beyond an ideal opportunity to meet, share their experiences and practices and learn about recent discussions – all within a unique environment.
Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg), and marvel at the majestic architecture along the Ring Boulevard. Be inspired by an atmosphere steeped in history – which also boasts the comforts and infrastructure of a modern city!
With a heap of state and private universities and other academic institutions, Vienna is also the largest student hub in the German speaking region, accommodating approx. 150.000 students. Generally speaking, these institutions are located within the urban area quite centrally and easily accessible by public transport. In contrary to the Anglo-American region, most of the institutes and lecture halls are not located on a single university campus but rather spread over a sometimes pretty large region of the city. So it is not outstanding that you will find the conference location – Vienna University of Technology – at the very center of Vienna.
We look forward to welcoming you in Vienna. We are certain that you will greatly enjoy the 8th European Conference on Gender Equality in Higher Education as well as the Austrian culture, cuisine and hospitality. 
Brigitte Ratzer 
Conference Organizer 2013″