Events & Campaigns for Tolerance & Diversity at Ruhr University Bochum

REDE! Deine Stimme für Demokratie

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

When? Tuesday, June 23, 2026, starting at 4 p.m.

Where? GB 5/160

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

Description: The new discussion series “Reading in Society: Bochum Literary Studies Discussions” is based on the observation that the current upheavals in the conditions of production, distribution, and reception of literature—as well as the changing nature of its social function and societal significance—cannot fail to affect literary studies research and teaching. The long-held assumption that engaging with literature is an important element of democratic education is thus called into question. With two sessions per semester, the series aims to provide a space for dialogue about these changes—beyond individual research projects and collaborations—functioning as a kind of open colloquium, and thus help ensure that literary studies remain a source of democratization.

Organized by: Institute of German Studies

Further information: Details about the lecture

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, September 3, 2026 from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m

Where? Location after registration

For whom? All members of Ruhr University Bochum

Description: In an increasingly digitalized world, it is important to understand the role of digital technologies in democratic societies. In her lecture, Dr.-Ing. Lea Schönberger will shed light on the design of technical systems, platforms and algorithms and show how they are linked to power, participation and social design. Topics such as algorithmic distortions, disinformation and digital dependencies will be addressed, as well as possible courses of action to counter these developments both at a societal level and in individual actions.

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

Further information: Lecture description & registration

When: October 22, 2026 from 2 to 6.30 p.m

For whom? Lecturers, administrative staff and event managers at UniverCity

Description: The cross-institutional workshop provides confidence in dealing with positions that threaten democracy in the university and academic context. It offers orientation, practical knowledge and exchange in three modules.

Offered by: UniverCity Bochum

Further information: Program & Registration

When? Various dates

For whom? All employees of Ruhr University Bochum

Description: Various offers in Ruhr University Bochum's Fortbildungsportal (training portal) in the field of strengthening democracy (in German)

Offer from: Fortbildungsportal (training portal)