Diversity month
May is Diversity Month at TU Dortmund University! Around the German Diversity Day, we are putting together a program of events that take place on campus and deal with various aspects of diversity. These include, for example, lectures, exhibitions, exchange sessions and courses that deal with topics such as gender diversity, interculturality, inclusion and accessibility.
The aim of Diversity Month is to make visible the work of many stakeholders at TU Dortmund University who are raising awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the academic world. Together, we want to promote an open and respectful atmosphere in which everyone is welcome.
Would you like to report a diversity-related event in May? Then please send an e-mail to Nadine Finke-Micheel.
From May 1, 2025
Exhibition "Together against sexism"
Sexism affects us all - and yet people are reluctant to talk about it. With the exhibition "Together against sexism", the alliance "Together against sexism" is helping to remove the taboos surrounding sexism and sexual harassment and make it accessible to a wide audience.
Attractively designed and comprehensible information, figures, data and facts on sexism, its manifestations and effects bring the topic to the forefront of society. By providing tips and advice on how to counteract sexism in everyday life, visitors learn that combating sexism is a task for society as a whole. The exhibition "Together against sexism" is an offer of the alliance "Together against sexism" and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
Members of TU Dortmund University have the opportunity to view and discuss the exhibition at the following locations:
from April 30 to May 14 in the foyer of the Mechanical Engineering I building (Leonhard-Euler-Str. 5) and from May 15 to 31 in the foyer of the Department of Computer Science (Otto-Hahn-Str. 14).
The exhibition is available in German and also as a voice output via QR code. It can be visited during building opening hours.
May 5, 2025
5.5. and 19.5. from 16:00 to 18:00 at the IBZ (Internationales Begegnungszentrum), Emil-Figge Straße 59, 44227 Dortmund
Study Mondays offer the opportunity to work in a learning atmosphere while sampling drinks from all corners of the globe! Concentrated learning and relaxed exchange over an international hot or cold drink. Study Mondays offer a place of learning for international and Dortmund students, where exchange and mutual support are possible.
Registration is not required
Free of charge
Background
This webinar series is part of the Labs4Change project and aims to
strengthen institutional capacities on gender in higher education. It
brings together faculty, academic leadership, and/or administrative
teams from Mondragón University (Basque Country), the TU Dortmund
University (TUDO) (Germany), and the University of Thessaly (Greece) to
learn, reflect, and co-create meaningful change.
Methodology
The series consists of three online sessions via Zoom, combining
expert insights with collaborative work. The first two webinars will be
closed and participatory, with dedicated spaces for reflection,
teamwork by institution, and collective learning. The final session will
be open to an internacional public, connecting our work with broader
international perspectives and other higher education institutions.
We strongly encourage all participants to attend every session, as each
one builds on the previous and is key to developing a shared vision and
roadmap for institutional change.
May 6, 2025
The everyday experience of parents of intersex children:
What does it mean for parents to have an intersex child? How does the gender order shape their experiences, decisions and everyday life? In my lecture, I will present key findings from my sociological research on parents of intersex children. Using interviews and case analyses, I will show how they navigate social norms - between medical diagnoses, gender knowledge and personal negotiations. Dr. Anike Krämer (TU Dortmund University) invites us to discuss inter*, gender, normativity and parental negotiation processes.
Moderation: Sarah Edle von Querfurth
Venue: online
Start: 4 pm
End: 5 pm
Registration is not required, just come along!
Do you have the urge to explore the world around you, ask questions and look for answers? Do you want to understand, recognize connections or do you like to experiment and critically question what you have learned? Then science and research could be just the thing for you!
In this digital workshop, three scientists give a personal account of how they got their start in science. You will find out what hurdles they overcame during their doctorate, what successes they celebrated and what exciting career paths are open to them today.
The special feature: In the speed dating format, you can talk directly to the speakers, learn from their experiences and ask all your questions - uncomplicated and at eye level.
The event takes place in cooperation with the Graduate Center of TU Dortmund University.
- When? Tuesday, 06.05.2025, 15:30-17:00
- Where? Online via Zoom
- How? Register via our online form
- Who? Pupils using the talent scouting program and students from all schools and universities in the region
Be inspired and discover your own path into science! We look forward to seeing you.
Caring for relatives often comes very unprepared. Organizing the care situation is a challenge. Combining work or studies, family and care is a balancing act for many carers. Communication with each other is therefore important to avoid feeling left alone.
Ulrike Grates, TU Dortmund University's care pilot since 2021, invites all university members who are facing the challenges of caring for relatives or who will take on this task in the future to a joint exchange via Zoom.
Topics include:
- Help and support options
- Sharing experiences and staying in dialog
- Finding new individual and creative solutions through joint exchange
Where and when?
Via Zoom on Tuesday, May 06, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
May 8, 2025
When: May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where? Emil-Figge-Str. 50, Room 0.512
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Brandt
This lecture will be held in English. Please register by e-mail.
May 9, 2025
Dear Student Council members,
How can you as a student council contribute to ensuring that all students feel comfortable and safe at your events? What exactly does awareness mean and how do we deal with discriminatory behavior?
These questions will be addressed in the workshop on awareness work in the university context on 09.05.2025 from 10:00 to 13:00 at TU Dortmund University.
What can you expect?
- Awareness basics: definitions, principles & key terms
- Understanding discrimination and raising awareness of different forms of exclusion
- Development of strategies for a discrimination-sensitive university culture
- Concrete options for dealing with discriminatory behavior and supporting people who experience discrimination
- Practical approaches: How can we implement awareness in student council work?
Whether you already have experience with awareness work or are new to the topic - you are cordially invited to participate with one to three people per student council.
The workshop is free of charge and is organized by the Central Counselling Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence (SchuDS) and conducted by Nele Buuck.
Please register by 30.04.2025 with your name and student council to: schudstu-dortmundde
The workshop will take place on the TU Dortmund University campus. You will be informed about the exact room after registration.
Let's work together to make the university culture more conscious and solidary.
Do you want to make a difference, but don't know how (anymore)? Whether you are new to protesting or have been involved for a long time - sometimes you feel powerless or stuck. But protest comes in many forms and there are always ways to get active! Together we will explore what forms of protest there are, what they can achieve and which ones suit you. With theory-based discussions, inspiring examples and practical exercises, we will make protest tangible.
Date: 09.05.2025
Time: 10 am - 5 pm (including coffee and lunch break)
Location: Seminar room building 1, room 3.009, North Campus, TU Dortmund University
Leader: Nina Ahrweiler and Dagny Giel
This workshop is part of the seminar "Protest Literatures". If the workshop takes place at the same time as another seminar of yours, an excuse can be issued by Dr. Burak Sezer.
Please register by May 2nd
To registration
We look forward to seeing you!
May 12, 2025
Understanding personal and social influences and using them positively.
Start: 12.05.2025, 13:00
End: 12.05.2025, 17:00
Venue: online
Event type:
- TU Dortmund University
- Career in Academia and Beyond
- Careers in and beyond academia
- For doctoral researchers
- For doctoral researchers
- Workshop
Registration deadline: 21.04.2025
Lecture by Hannah Witte and discussion with Nadine Finke-Micheel, TU Dortmund University
Followed by a get-together with drinks and finger food
Moderation: Dr. Pia Wojtys
Monday, 12 May
Start: 7 pm, admission from 6:30 pm
Künstlerhaus Dortmund, seminar room (1st floor), Sunderweg 1, 44147 Dortmund
Admission free
In visual communication, we make language visible, give it a typographic form and decide on hierarchies. But what possibilities are there to use typography to act in an anti-discriminatory way and to hack the standardized two-gender system?
Based on her book Typohacks, Hannah Witte introduces the topic of gender-sensitive language and typography at Künstlerhaus Dortmund. In addition, she will show methods for dealing with typographic signs as political troublemakers.
The lecture was initiated by members and KINs of the Künstlerhaus who have joined forces in the "Renaming" working group. Their motivation is to encourage a self-critical reflection on their own naming through an open dialog. The name "Künstlerhaus Dortmund" has been formulated in the generic masculine for over 40 years.
More information at: https://www.kh-do.de/veranstaltungen/typohacks
Institutional change and measurement indicators
TUDO staff & Labs4change partners
Background
This webinar series is part of the Labs4Change project and aims to
strengthen institutional capacities on gender in higher education. It
brings together faculty, academic leadership, and/or administrative
teams from Mondragón University (Basque Country), the TU Dortmund
University (TUDO) (Germany), and the University of Thessaly (Greece) to
learn, reflect, and co-create meaningful change.
Methodology
The series consists of three online sessions via Zoom, combining
expert insights with collaborative work. The first two webinars will be
closed and participatory, with dedicated spaces for reflection,
teamwork by institution, and collective learning. The final session will
be open to an internacional public, connecting our work with broader
international perspectives and other higher education institutions.
We strongly encourage all participants to attend every session, as each
one builds on the previous and is key to developing a shared vision and
roadmap for institutional change.
May 13, 2025
Hostility towards science and hate speech against scientists have also increased noticeably in the subject areas of gender and diversity research. But how can you react to such attacks, prepare for them and find support? This workshop offers insights into the topic, introduces the advice and support services offered by the Scicomm-Support contact point and provides initial practical options for action
Moderator: Nadine Finke-Micheel
Registration is not required, just come along!
https://tu-dortmund.zoom.us/j/91664808789?pwd=OkVDgCl7Y4sJng1ATgBYVahsQtyQZQ.1
May 14, 2025
What is sexualized violence? Where does it start? What can I do? How can I support those affected? In the online workshop, the Dortmund Women's Advice Center provides information on this and offers a confidential space for questions and discussion.
Important: Sexualized violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, origin or clothing.
When:
14.05.2025, 2-4 p.m.
Where?
Online
For whom?
Students of the TU Dortmund University, RUB and UDE
We look forward to receiving registrations and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Nicole Jansen (she/you | she/her) and Kaya Gödeke (she/you | she/her)
Central advice centre for protection against discrimination and sexualized violence (short: SchuDS)
Ahmad Aweimer, spokesman for the Council of Muslim Communities Dortmund, provides insights into Muslim life in Dortmund and the Ruhr region.
For many Muslim people, religion is an important part of their lives, which visibly or invisibly determines their everyday lives for others. But what does it actually mean to practise the Muslim faith? What role does religion actually play for Muslim students or university members in everyday university life? The aim of the event is to gain insights into Muslim life in Dortmund and the Ruhr region and to enter into a dialog with one another.
When:
14.05.2025, 16-17:30
Where?
Will be announced after registration
For whom?
Members of the TU Dortmund University, RUB and UDE
The registration deadline ends on 13.05.2025
May 15, 2025
The AG Machtmissbrauch invites all students and employees of TU Dortmund University to the Forum Machtmissbrauch at TU Dortmund University.
Time: 12:30-14:00
Venue: online
15.5. from 18:00 to 19:30 at the IBZ (Internationales Begegnungszentrum), Emil-Figge Straße 59, 44227 Dortmund
Every second Thursday, the German Language Café offers international students the opportunity to get together, have interesting conversations and use or improve their German language skills. Whether A1 or C1, students of all language levels can take part.
Registration is not required
Free of charge
Global Accessibilty Awareness Day (GAAD for short): Since 2012, it has always been held on the third Thursday in May. On this day, various actions are carried out internationally to implement digital accessibility. These range from clean-up campaigns, various workshop formats or conferences with input on digital accessibility topics.
May 16, 2025
18:00 to 22:00, at Emil-Figge-Str. 50
The Festival of Cultures invites you to experience a journey through different countries and cultures and discover their diversity. International students offer culinary delicacies and a program with music, dances and other cultural attractions.
Registration is not required
Free of charge
May 19 to 22, 2025
May 19 to 22, 2025
Sustainability Week 2025 offers a varied program on the topic of sustainability - lectures, workshops and more, there is something for everyone!
The Sustainability Week 2025 is jointly organized by
May 19, 2025
5.5. and 19.5. from 16:00 to 18:00 at the IBZ (Internationales Begegnungszentrum), Emil-Figge Straße 59, 44227 Dortmund
Study Mondays offer the opportunity to work in a learning atmosphere while sampling drinks from all corners of the globe! Concentrated learning and relaxed exchange over an international hot or cold drink. Study Mondays offer a place of learning for international and Dortmund students, where exchange and mutual support are possible.
Registration is not required
Free of charge
https://international.tu-dortmund.de/internationaler-campus/veranstaltungen/study-monday/
Global Webinar, International Cases
all: Labs4change partners, TUDO staff, students and externals
Background
This webinar series is part of the Labs4Change project and aims to
strengthen institutional capacities on gender in higher education. It
brings together faculty, academic leadership, and/or administrative
teams from Mondragón University (Basque Country), the TU Dortmund
University (TUDO) (Germany), and the University of Thessaly (Greece) to
learn, reflect, and co-create meaningful change.
Methodology
The series consists of three online sessions via Zoom, combining
expert insights with collaborative work. The first two webinars will be
closed and participatory, with dedicated spaces for reflection,
teamwork by institution, and collective learning. The final session will
be open to an internacional public, connecting our work with broader
international perspectives and other higher education institutions.
We strongly encourage all participants to attend every session, as each
one builds on the previous and is key to developing a shared vision and
roadmap for institutional change.
May 20, 2025
The gay Düsseldorf theater maker Bernd Plöger reports on his experiences and the current conditions in the cultural sector: What experiences has he personally had, what tasks does he see for himself as a stage person and for the cultural sector today? Is queerness now relevant to quotas? How should queerness be shown in the cultural sector today?
An exciting discussion with the presenter, director and co-founder of "Kulturetten".
Moderation: Dr. Ute Zimmermann
Venue: online
Start: 4 pm
End: 5 pm
Registration is not required, just come along!
May 22, 2025
When: May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where? Emil-Figge-Str. 50, Room 0.512
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Brandt
This lecture will be held in English. Please register by e-mail.
May 21, 2025
21.5. from 12:00 to 15:00 at the IBZ (Internationales Begegnungszentrum), Emil-Figge Straße 59, 44227 Dortmund
Eat & Read is a meeting place for students and employees of TU Dortmund University, which offers the opportunity to read and learn in a relaxed atmosphere.
Registration is not required
Free of charge
https://international.tu-dortmund.de/internationaler-campus/veranstaltungen/eat-read/
May 26 - 28, 2025
Detailed information will follow soon on the Instagram channel @astatudortmund, the AStA homepage https://asta-dortmund.de/ and via posters on the advertising pillars
Location: EF50-Platz (in the foyer in case of rain)
Monday
Presentation of various buddy programs with, among others: TU-Guides, International Office, University Sports
Tuesday
Off-campus commitment: "Guest House instead of Bank" project (Ökumenische Wohnungslosen-Initiative e.V.)
Wednesday
Presentation of the student parliament with, among others: Campus Green, Die Linke.SDS
May 27, 2025 - German Diversity Day
The aim of this course in the Department of Education, Psychology and Educational Research is, on the one hand, to introduce students to sociological ways of thinking and basic sociological concepts and perspectives and, on the other hand, to transfer and apply sociological concepts and theoretical approaches to disability-specific problems and issues. The lecture is open to all interested parties during Diversity Month in May.
When: May 13 and 27, 12 to 2 p.m.
Where? Emil-Figge-Str. 50, Room 4.321
Lecturer: Dr. Bastian Pelka
The seminar looks at health in different spatial and temporal contexts. Using social science studies, influencing factors at different levels (e.g. individual life circumstances, family biography, health system) and over the life course will be discussed. In addition, qualitative and quantitative research findings on health inequalities are critically examined, with a particular focus on individual, cultural and institutional contexts as well as changes over time and with age. Students learn to classify central discourses and reflect on research findings in the context of social change.
When: May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where? Emil-Figge-Str. 50, Room 2.437
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Brandt
Please register by e-mail.
This course shows how health and well-being can be analyzed from different conceptual perspectives. For example, the following questions will be addressed: How can health and well-being be assessed and measured? How are health and well-being related to other areas of life (work, family, material conditions) and to what extent are social inequalities recognizable? The lecture focuses on conceptual perspectives and the measurement of health and well-being as well as on theoretical foundations and social science perspectives on health and well-being.
When: May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025, 12 to 2 p.m.
Where? Emil-Figge-Str. 50, room 2.437
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Brandt
This lecture will be held in English. A short registration by mail is requested.
Lecture: "How hate speech endangers democracies and what we can do about it"
4 to 5 p.m. | Green Lecture Hall
In light of current global developments, this year's keynote speech on Diversity Day at TU Dortmund University will focus on the topic of hate speech. Journalist, doctor and political scientist Gilda Sahebi will address this particular form of group-based misanthropy and the importance of counter-speech in her lecture "How hate speech endangers democracies and what we can do about it". Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to talk to her and other participants.
In good weather, the event will take place in the green lecture hall at Martin-Schmeißer-Platz (diagonally opposite the Mathetower), in bad weather in lecture hall II at Emil-Figge-Str. 50. Please find out more in advance here or on Instagram. Registration is not necessary.
May 29, 2025
When: May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where? Emil-Figge-Str. 50, Room 0.512
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Martina Brandt
This lecture will be held in English. Please register by e-mail.
June 3, 2025
Michelle Borkowski is an expert in diversity management and works in the Human Resources department at Arbeiterwohlfahrt.
Her department is responsible for around 25,000 employees. Here, she raises awareness of diversity across the board and holds workshops for administrative managers, prospective care service managers and volunteers, for example. She has developed various creative formats with which she brings the topic into the everyday working lives of her colleagues.
She will talk to us about this and her experiences. What is it like when the Workers' Welfare Association is active at the Dortmund CSD? Why does a charity organization focus on diversity? How do colleagues react to the challenge of dealing with diversity?
Registration is not required, just come along!
Moderation: Ute Zimmermann and Markus Alex
Venue: online
Start: 4 pm
End: 5 pm