One of the University of Graz's main concerns is the continuous development of teaching and learning methods. Given the increase in student numbers and accompanying increase in student heterogeneity in recent decades (see Student Social Survey, 2023), the university attaches great importance to adapting its range of courses to these changed conditions. This is necessary to accommodate the different needs of individual students. Against this background, the 2025/26 Teaching Award focuses on the topic: ‘Between lecture hall and living conditions: student realities’. 

Just as there are many different paths to university, students' backgrounds and life circumstances are equally diverse. Students benefit from integrative approaches that consider their life circumstances, such as commitments inside and outside the university and local circumstances. Many students also consider this additional flexibility desirable, regardless of their restrictions (cf. Buß, 2018). Part of this integrative approach involves further developing teaching methods and styles. Integrating blended learning and using visual, auditory and individualised teaching materials, as well as linking learned material to real-life situations and establishing a direct and open feedback loop, significantly contributes to a productive and integrative learning environment (cf. Shorey et al., 2021).