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 relevance 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 Nicole Jansen.
April 21, 2026
Dr. Fatih Bahadir Kaya 's seminar introduces the phenomena of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism from a historical perspective. In this context, both differences and similarities as well as different manifestations of both will be discussed. In addition, sociological and methodological possibilities for investigating both structures will be demonstrated. The aim of the seminar is to understand the dynamics of discrimination and constructions of difference on the basis of both structures of inequality, both empirically and theoretically.
When? every Tuesday 4-6 p.m.
Where? Martin-Schmeißer-Weg 4-8 - Room 08.00.07
Further information here
April 22 to 23, 2026
April 22 to 23, 2026
Over two afternoons, experts from the tech industry will show that technological innovation and social diversity are inextricably linked. Each speaker will give two talks - one on technology and one on diversity, inclusion or empowerment.
The event is organized by the Diversity Commission of the Department of Computer Science at TU Dortmund University in cooperation with the Deep Tech Collective e.V., the Center for Entrepreneurship & Transfer and the Dortmund Economic Development Agency.
When: April 22-23, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. each day
The program runs from 2-6 p.m. on both days. On April 22, there will also be a networking evening from 6 pm. Participation is free of charge, registration is required.
Where? innoclub Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 80, 44227 Dortmund
Target group? Students, employees, professors, alumni, project partners and the start-up scene in the region
All information about the speakers and registration here.
April 23, 2026
Enabling stereotype-free career guidance
Every year on the fourth Thursday in April, Girls*Day takes place throughout Germany. On this day, girls can get to know professions in which there are still too few women. Facilities, companies and institutions throughout Germany open their doors to give you an insight into their day-to-day work. The STEM departments at TU Dortmund University will be presenting themselves. Further information on registration and the procedure here.
More general background information can be found here.
April 24, 2026
The Festival of Cultures invites you to experience a journey through different countries and cultures and discover their diversity.
Date and time: Friday, 24.04.2026 from 18:00 to 22:00 (admission: tba.)
Location: EF50 Foyer (Emil-Figge-Straße 50, 44227 Dortmund)
Admission: only with a free online ticket (while stocks last!)
Ticket sales: from April 17, 2026 via the ticket platform of the Studierendenwerk Dortmund(www.eveeno.com/723367841)
All information here
May 5, 2026
May 6, 2026
Are you wondering whether a scholarship is right for you? The open telephone scholarship consultation is your first point of orientation in the scholarship landscape and clarifies questions such as: What funding opportunities are there? What do I need to bring with me for a scholarship? How do I apply?
When? Every Wednesday 12:00 - 13:00
Contact? 0231 / 755 8090
May 7, 2026
Fancy meeting new people?
The concept of speed dating is a tried and tested icebreaker for getting to know new people. The psychological student counseling services of the Studierendenwerk and TU Dortmund University are taking advantage of this as part of the Speed Connecting cooperation offer. Whether you want to get to know new people or are looking for a study buddy, a few rounds of Speed Connecting will allow you to make new connections.
In winter semester 25/26, ideas were also developed over snacks and drinks about all the free things students can experience in Dortmund to make the new connections sustainable.
When? 07.05.2026 from 3-7 pm
Where? Campustreff - Vogelpothsweg 120
Pleaseregister via email to psychologische-beratung@tu-dortmund.de
English and German can be spoken at the event. The event is free of charge.
May 8, 2026
May 8 to 10
TU Dortmund University will once again be represented at this year's DORTBUNT city festival. Visitors can look forward to numerous hands-on activities, take advantage of advisory services and experience research up close at the stands.
Further information here
May 12, 2026
At HoKiDo e.V. - day care center and family center takes place on
Mai, 12 at 3 pm
in the room of the short-term childcare (KuKi).
The KiTa offers a parents' café once a month to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and cake.
Further dates and information here
Since November 2025, an online care meeting for students has been held every second Tuesday of the month from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The offer is a cooperation between the TU Dortmund University's care guide Ulrike Grates, the care guide Sonja Wentzel from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Dortmund self-help contact point.
Between studying and worrying: caring for relatives often comes very unprepared. Organizing the care situation is a challenge. Combining studying and caring is a balancing act for many carers. Communication with each other is therefore important so that you don't feel left alone.
- Do you support your grandparents in everyday life?
- Do you help your partner with illness or care? Organize doctor's appointments for your parents?
- Looking after your child in need of care?
- And all this at the same time as studying?
If these tasks sometimes overwhelm you or you simply want to talk to others in similar situations, the Care Meeting for Students is the right place for you.
To the online room Care meeting for students
A short video on our Instagram account @tudo_family_and_diversity introduces the online care meeting for students.
May 17, 2026
On 17 May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the diagnostic code for diseases. Since 2005, this day has been celebrated internationally as a day against homo-, bi-, inter- and trans-hostility, as well as in countries where homosexuality is still a criminal offense (see IDAHO Committee 2021).
In Dortmund, rainbow/progress pride* flags are hoisted in front of the town hall and on the TU Dortmund University campus every year at IDAHOBIT to show solidarity with the LGBTTIAQ+ community.
IDAHOBIT 2026 will take place under the motto "At the heart of democracy".
Further background information at UP TO DATE, the queer and feminist calendar of the Equal Opportunities Office of TU Dortmund University.
*Rainbow flag, which was supplemented by a wedge with six other colors: Black/brown as a sign for BIPOC community as well as people affected by HIV/AIDS, light blue,pink, white as a sign for trans* and non-binary people as well as yellow with a purple circle as a sign for intersexuality. The expansion stands for intersectional progress and a more inclusive orientation of the queer community, which includes marginalized groups.
May 19, 2026 - German Diversity Day
May 19 to 20, 2026
During a 24-hour hackathon, organizational representatives pitch real diversity problems to which teams of students develop innovative solutions. The solution concepts will be presented and discussed in a panel discussion, where students can receive first-hand feedback, win prizes and network with the organizational representatives. In addition to catering (including a networking lunch), students can improve their pitching skills and diversity competencies while strengthening their teamwork skills in various group constellations.
When: May 19, 2-5 p.m. + May 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where? TU Dortmund University Campus-Treff, Vogelpothsweg 120, 44227 Dortmund
Registration until May 5, 2026 here
The hackathon will be held in English.
Participation is free of charge.
Project management
Prof. Dr. Liudvika Leišytė
Project team members
Sude Pekşen (project coordinator, research assistant)
Nina Carolin Bieling (research assistant)
SvenSegin (student assistant)
Lucy Wächter (student assistant)
Further information here
The workshop presents innovative teaching methods for teaching intersectionality in higher education. As part of a methodology training, participants will develop approaches to integrate intersectional perspectives into teaching methods, learning objectives and teaching materials. The aim is to support teachers in designing more inclusive learning environments and reflecting on issues of power, privilege and diversity in teaching.
The workshop will be held in English.
When: May 19, 2026 12:15-13:45
Where? CDI building - room 114 - Vogelpothsweg 78, 44227 Dortmund
Contact/contact person: Prof. Dr. Liudvika Leišytė
Further information: https://hdhf.zhb.tu-dortmund.de/forschung/projekte/interhed/
Organizational unit: Professorship for Higher Education Didactics and Research (HdHf)
How do you become a scientist if no one in your family has studied before? Three scientistswho were the first in their family to follow this path talk about their entry into research, their experiences during their doctorate and their current career paths. In a digital speed dating workshop, you can talk to them directly, ask questions and gain valuable insights.
When? Tuesday, 19.05.2026 15:30-17:00
Where? Online via Zoom
More info & registration: https: //www.tu-dortmund.de/talentscouting/kalender/
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 a joint exchange
When? 19.05 10:00 a.m.
Where? Zoom
More information on reconciling care with studies and work here.
How to Allyship
Solidarity against discrimination
Lecture by Dr. Rahab Njeri
6 to 8 p.m. | IBZ
Discrimination at universities is no exception - it can be seen in seminar rooms, corridors, application procedures and institutional structures. But how can university members - students, lecturers and staff - actively contribute to recognizing and changing discriminatory situations? An impulse with theoretical foundations and concrete possibilities for action - for all university members.
Allyship" refers to an attitude of solidarity towards people who are affected by discrimination. This form of solidarity involves critically reflecting on one's own privileges and (actively) supporting those affected by discrimination.
Dr. Rahab Njeri (she/her) is a historian and expert in the critique of racism, intersectional theories, empowerment and critical allyship. She has many years of experience in teaching, further education and institutional consulting and strategy at universities.
The aim of her work is not only to raise awareness, but also to enable university members to act in a way that is critical of discrimination in the long term - and thus contribute to structural change. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas with her and other participants.
Die Veranstaltung findet im IBZ (Emil-Figge-Straße 61, 44227 Dortmund) statt. Eine Anmeldung ist nicht notwendig.
Der Vortrag findet in englischer Sprache statt.
Haben Sie Bedarfe, die wir bei der Veranstaltungsorganisation berücksichtigen dürfen, geben Sie uns bitte bis zum 12. Mai per E-Mail an nicole.jansen@tu-dortmund.de Bescheid.
Awareness concept Diversity Day May 19, 2026 incl. Code of Conduct to follow
May 21, 2026
Workshop for students at TU Dortmund University, UDE and RUB
In cooperation with ADIRA NRW, the Central Counselling Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence (SchuDS) is offering a face-to-face workshop for students at TU Dortmund University, Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen on the topic of anti-Semitism at universities.
Anti-Semitism is not a phenomenon of the past - we still encounter it today, including at universities. Time and again, students report anti-Semitic incidents in the lecture hall, on campus or in social media. They are then often faced with the question: How do I react correctly? What do I do if I witness an anti-Semitic incident - in a seminar, in a group or online?
When? 21.05.2026 - 2 pm - 4 pm
Where? TU Dortmund University (exact location will follow after registration)
Registration: https: //eveeno.com/301640211
Registration deadline: 11.05.2026
End of reference: ADRIRA NRW
Many people find it difficult to act appropriately, partly because antisemitism is not always easy to recognize. It occurs in many different forms. This workshop provides knowledge about the various manifestations of anti-Semitism and concrete strategies for action in everyday university life.
Global Accessibilty Awareness Day (GAAD for short)
The three competence centers digitale Barrierefreiheit.nrw, ILIAS.nrw and Moodle.NRW are organizing the Global Accessibilty Awareness Day together with NRW universities. There will be a varied workshop program on digital accessibility in studying and teaching - to get started, to raise awareness and to share tried and tested approaches, with space for concrete application questions, exchange of experiences and helpful introductions - depending on the participants' previous knowledge.
To the workshop program: https://barrierefreiheit.dh.nrw/einzelseiten/global-accessibility-awareness-day-2026
No registration is required. There are no costs.