Past Events for Tolerance and Diversity

When? Thursday , September 3, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where? Location to be announced upon registration

Who is it for? All members of Ruhr University Bochum

Description: In an increasingly digitized world, it is important to understand the role of digital technologies in democratic societies. In her lecture, Dr.-Ing. Lea Schönberger will examine the design of technical systems, platforms, and algorithms and highlight how they are linked to power, participation, and social shaping. Topics such as algorithmic biases, disinformation, and digital dependencies will be addressed, and possible courses of action will be outlined for countering these developments both at the societal level and through individual action.

Organized by: Department of Strategic Personnel and Talent Development (→ Contact)

More info: Lecture description & registration

When: June 23 & July 1, 14 and 15, 2026

Where? Art collections of Ruhr University Bochum

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum and the interested public

Description: The occasion for the series of talks by the Institute of Art History at Ruhr University Bochum is Manifesta 16, which will take place in the Ruhr region from June 21 to October 4, 2026. First held in Rotterdam in 1996, the "nomadic" biennial was formed against the backdrop of the political upheavals in Europe after 1989. In its early editions in particular, aspects of democratization and relations between East and West were central and combined with the aim of strengthening cultural diversity and transnational cohesion by promoting young artists. Three decades after its founding and a simultaneous "biennialization", critical questions about organizational restructuring, gentrification and sustainability are increasingly coming to the fore today. In times of multiple crises, characterized by authoritarian tendencies, wars, climate change, social inequality and housing shortages, actors from theory and practice will use historical and contemporary examples to discuss the ambivalent role of biennials and comparable major events in moments of structural and political change.

Offered by: Art collections of Ruhr University Bochum and the Institute of Art History of Ruhr University Bochum

Further information: Program

When? Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m

Where? Online

For whom? Administrative staff of Ruhr University Bochum

Description: In times when the free and democratic basic order is being called into question, it is important that administrative staff can clearly define and fulfill their role in protecting these values. This is where the workshop "Neutral, but not without values - administration as a pillar of democracy" from the Administration for Democracy association, which is offered by the Department for Strategic Personnel and Talent Development, comes in. It is explicitly aimed at colleagues from the core administration. The aim is to clarify key terms and understanding of roles, to work on case constellations in a structured way and to consciously use the scope for action.

Offered by: Department for Strategic Personnel and Talent Development (→ Contact)

Further information: Seminar description & registration

When? Thursday, June 18, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.

Where? Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum as well as the interested public, especially “young people” (approximately under 40 years of age)

Description: Democracy flourishes where people raise their voices, listen, speak out—and get involved. We invite you to a participatory networking event. Together, we’ll discuss how democracy is lived today—and how we can develop it further together.

Offered by: An event of the Young Initiative Group Ruhr and the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum

Further information & registration: Info & Registration

Who is this for? All members of Ruhr-University Bochum and the interested public
Please stop by—feel free to bring a packed lunch—no registration is required.

Description: These two lunch talks continue the series from the winter semester. This time, two scholars will give a 20-minute presentation in public spaces on campus and invite participants to an open discussion on questions, ideas, and possible courses of action for strengthening democratic culture on campus.

• Democracy and IT Security
  with: Prof. Dr. Angela Sasse
  When? Thursday, May 7, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
  Where? Foyer of the Musisches Zentrum

• Democracy and Loneliness
  Featuring: Tim Kramer
  When? Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
  Where? University Library, ground floor (Level 0)

Organized by: Department of Strategic Human Resources and Talent Development (→ Contact)

When? June 9, 10, and 11, 2026

Where?At various locations on the Ruhr University Bochum campus, both on the main campus and off-campus

Who is it for? All members of Ruhr University Bochum as well as the interested public

Description: Universities and societies worldwide are facing a multitude of profound challenges and diverse crises at both the local and global levels: increasing restrictions on academic freedom and human rights, (geo-)political crises, and democracies under constant strain. In this volatile environment, higher education institutions are under increasing pressure—not only with regard to spaces for independent research and critical debate, but also in terms of how they can actively contribute to resilient societies and sustainable global development.

The first Academic Freedom Forum 2026 will bring together internationally renowned scholars and experts from the higher education sector, university administrators, researchers, and students from around the world, creating a space for dialogue and collaboration on the pressing global challenges facing universities and societies today.

Marking the 25th anniversary of the Scholars at Risk Network and the 10th anniversary of University Without Borders, the three-day forum will explore the evolving role of universities and the academic community in promoting academic freedom, protecting human rights, and strengthening democratic values.

Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and cultural events, participants will explore ways to defend academic freedom and human rights and to strengthen democratic values—both within and outside academic institutions.

Organized by: Ruhr University Bochum in cooperation with the Philipp Schwartz Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Scholars at Risk Network, the Utrecht Network, and the Worldwide Universities Network

Further information: Program & Registration

When? Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where? In downtown Bochum

Who is it for? All members of Ruhr University Bochum and the interested public

Description: The “ BochumStaysInvolved” eventis part of the nationwide celebration marking the 77th anniversary of the Basic Law and takes place as part of the preparatory program “On the Way to the House of Knowledge.” With workshops, lectures, information booths, and hands-on activities, the event invites participants to engage with the Basic Law, democratic values, and opportunities for civic participation.

Organized by: Centre for City Futures at Ruhr University Bochum and UniverCity Bochum

More info: Program

When? December 9, 2025 from 5.30 pm

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum and the interested public

Description: Professional curiosity and critical thinking are at the heart of academic work. At Ruhr University Bochum, too, there have been ideologically motivated attacks on the fundamental values of openness, diversity and critical dialog at a time when these foundations are coming under increasing pressure worldwide. With a colorful mixture of talk, poetry slam, poetry, comedy and discussion, the open cultural evening aims to set an example for diversity, variety and democracy.

Offered by: Institute of German Studies

Further information: Program

When: November 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum

Description: The event responds to the anti-queer and anti-democratic attacks and intrusions at Ruhr University Bochum, as well as the growing loss of trust in democratic institutions and the general shift to the right in society. The aim is to strengthen solidarity, education and counter-speech and to integrate these into courses. It also offers students a central information and learning platform.

Offered by: Representatives of the Mittelbau in the GA building

Further information: Program & Registration (PDF)

When: November 13 and 14, 2025

For whom? Researchers, scientists

Description: Interdisciplinary perspectives on violence, memory and social negotiation

Offered by: Prof. Dr. Katja Sabisch, Gender Studies

Further information: Program & Registration (PDF)

For whom? All members of Ruhr-University Bochum and the interested public
Come by —feel free to bring a packed lunch— no registration is necessary.

Description: In four lunch talks, scientists will give a 20-minute presentation from their perspective and invite open discussion about questions, ideas and options for action to strengthen democratic culture on campus.

• What does diversity have to do with democracy?
  With: Prof. Dr. Isolde Karle, Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development
  When? Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
  Where? Foyer of the Central Administration (UV Foyer, Level 0)
• The power of imagination – success factors for growing together and cohesion
  With: Prof. Dr. Karim Fereidooni, Faculty of Social Science, Didactics of Social Science Education
  When? Monday, November 24, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
  Where? GA 02 Foyer South
• Right-wing extremism and attitudes threatening democracy in Germany – Presentation of the new "Mitte" Study
  With: Dr. Jan Schedler, Faculty of Social Science, Dean of Studies
  When? Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
  Where? Open Space MC (ground floor)
• Digitalization and democracy
  With: Prof. Dr. Karola Marky, Faculty of Computer Science, Digital Sovereignty Lab
  When? Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
  Where? Foyer ID 03/South

Offered by: Department of Strategic Personnel and Talent Development (→ Contact)

When? Every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm in the period from November 2025 - January 2026

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum and the interested public

Offered by: Faculties of the G-series

Further information: Program (PDF)

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum and the interested public

Program:

• Antifeminism and queerphobia in times of right-wing/fascist backlash of the right-wing/fascist backlash
  with: Susanne Weise, gender researcher and social worker
  When? Wednesday, 12.11.2025, 6.15 pm
  Where? Location after registration

• Right-wing terrorism as a contested narrative: a victim- and victim-centered approach
  with: Yassir Jakani, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chairs of Social Theory and Social Psychology and Gender Studies
  When? Wednesday, 10.12.2025, 6.15 pm
  Where? Location after registration

• Right-wing violence, racism and the social question: Why we need to talk about class
  with: Eleonora Roldán Mendívil, political scientist
  When? Wednesday, 14.01.2026, 6.15 pm
  Where? Location after registration

Offer by: Fachschafteninitiative Politische Bildung (→ Contact)