Since May 2025, the European network of communicators EUPRIO has had a new president: Bettina Neunteufl (B.N.) from TU Wien, who succeeds Gian-Andri Casutt from the ETH Board. In this interview for the HKOM newsletter, the Austrian explains how she understands communication and how she sees the future of EUPRIO.
Ms. Neunteufl, what is particularly important to you in higher education communication?
B.N.: Over the course of my career, I have realized that university communicators are no longer just information providers, but increasingly becoming “emotion brokers.” For me, the central point is that higher education communication should not only accompany expectations, changes, and developments, but actively shape and manage them. It should be part of the structure and the dynamic – whether in the introduction of new technologies, crisis communication, building alliances, or strengthening dialogue within the university. What matters most to me is mastering the challenges of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and globalization – while at the same time preserving the timeless, human aspects of communication: trust, dialogue, and storytelling.
How have you been involved with EUPRIO so far, and what do you particularly like about the network?
B.N.: I have had the opportunity to help shape EUPRIO in recent years in various roles – on the Steering Committee, as Vice President, and now as President. What I particularly like about EUPRIO is that it is much more than a professional association: it is an international, vibrant community that combines knowledge, expertise, inspiration, and mutual support. Many of us find not only professional development here, but also a strong sense of community and friendship.
How would you like to further develop EUPRIO?
B.N.: My goal is to make EUPRIO even more visible and effective for our members – and for those who still want to join – as a platform for professionalization and exchange across Europe, not only at our annual conferences, but continuously throughout the year with a wide range of offerings and activities. EUPRIO’s philosophy has always been shaped by openness and collaboration. My vision is to nurture this spirit and let EUPRIO grow – with even more space for professionalization, learning, and exchange, carried by the European idea and a strong sense of solidarity among communication professionals. I am convinced that by sharing not only our best practices but also our setbacks, we grow both as individuals and as institutions. At the same time, I want to expand European partnerships and connections with other networks, and amplify EUPRIO’s voice in the higher education communication world – because Europe needs us!
Thank you very much for the interview!
About Bettina Neunteufl
Bettina Neunteufl is Chief Communication Officer and Head of the Communication Department at TU Wien. In this role, she is closely connected to the rectorate and is responsible for the strategic orientation and further development of higher education communication as well as for positioning TU Wien nationally and internationally.
Her career has taken her, among other places, to Washington, D.C., and Kuala Lumpur, where she gained international experience in communication and public affairs. At the University of Vienna, she completed a postgraduate master’s program in Communication and Public Relations, which laid the foundation for her work at the interface of science, the public, and politics
Euprio conference with strong German participation
Outstanding communication projects were recognized with the EUPRIO Awards:
- First prize went to “Red Flag”, a campaign against sexual harassment, initiated by students at the University of Agder (Norway).
- Second place was awarded to “TikTok University”, a complete university course delivered on the social media platform, developed by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
- Third prize went to “Study Match”, an AI-supported orientation program for prospective students at the University of Bergen in Norway.
The University of Bonn also made it into the top ten with its entry “Her mit den Portr[AI]ts!”. In this AI exhibition, images of distinguished female scholars from Bonn – who were never photographed in their lifetimes or whose academic development was hindered – were recreated using AI tools.
Save the date: The EUPRIO Conference 2026 will take place at the Université de Lorraine in Metz, France, from June 8 to 11, 2026.
Further education autumn 2025
Whether artificial intelligence, SEO, internal communication, or the question of how to measure the success of our work – new fields are constantly emerging that shape and challenge our daily practice. With the Further Education Autumn 2025, the German Association for Higher Education Communication will once again provide its members with practical impulses and opportunities for exchange with colleagues.
As in the first half of the year, participants can expect a comprehensive program on current issues related to communication, strategy, and tools. The spectrum ranges from clarifying the legal framework of higher education communication to content creation and the use of AI in media evaluation – ensuring there is something for everyone.
Since in-person formats saw little demand in the first half of the year, the association is now fully committed to online seminars. This allows participants to access the offerings flexibly, independent of location, and without major travel expenses – a decision the board also wishes to discuss with members at the annual meeting.
The new dates, including descriptions and registration forms, will soon be available on the website in the “Further Education” section (login required). Suggestions and questions are welcome to Katrin Müller by email.
The original article in German has been published in the HKom-Newsletter: https://www.bundesverband-hochschulkommunikation.de/aktuelles/newsletter/
