Representatives from Austrian universities of applied sciences and colleges of applied sciences offering Social Work programs recently gathered for a professional exchange as part of the FBKSSO conference. This year’s meeting was hosted by the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland in Eisenstadt. For the MCI department of Social Work, the gathering once again provided an important opportunity to discuss current developments, strengthen shared positions, and actively shape the future of Social Work.
The meeting focused on current issues and challenges affecting the profession, education, and academic development of Social Work. A key area of focus was the discussion regarding the planned or under-discussion Professional Social Work Act. Conference participants examined its significance for the professionalization of the field, the visibility of Social Work, as well as the quality and further development of education and practice.
Another focus was on preparations for World Social Work Day 2027 (WSWD). Participants also discussed possibilities for organizing the event on an Austria-wide scale, as well as location-specific activities and formats. The goal is to highlight the social significance of Social Work, promote dialogue with practitioners, academia, policymakers, and civil society, and communicate the profession’s key concerns to a broader public.
In addition to the main topics of discussion, the meeting in Eisenstadt provided an opportunity for personal exchange and further networking among the university campuses. Especially in light of complex societal developments - such as growing social inequalities, migration patterns, demographic shifts, mental health challenges, and new demands on social services - close collaboration between education, research, and practice is of particular importance.
“Social Work faces a wide range of societal challenges. To address these professionally and sustainably, there needs to be an ongoing exchange between universities, the field, and advocacy groups. The meeting in Eisenstadt has once again demonstrated how valuable it is to collectively address issues of professionalization, education, and social responsibility.”
The FBKSSO acts as the representative body for all Social Work degree programs at Austrian universities of applied sciences and serves as a platform for coordinating common standards in teaching, research, and professional development. MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® will continue to actively participate in the Austria-wide Social Work network and help shape the joint development of the professional field. The discussions in Eisenstadt have once again demonstrated that issues concerning the future of Social Work can be addressed most effectively where expertise, experience, and diverse perspectives come together.
© Hochschule Burgendland/SOA
Social Work, Social Policy & Management | Master
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