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.
Past events can be found at the bottom of the page.
From May 1, 2026
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 about 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.
The exhibition is currently at the following location:
Chemistry Building (Foyer) - Otto-Hahn-Str. 6 (North Campus)
The exhibition is available in German and via QR code also as voice output and can be visited during the respective building opening hours.
Diversity @ TU Dortmund University
Over the course of Diversity Month in May, some of TU Dortmund University's diversity activists will be featured on the Instagram channel of the Equal Opportunities, Family and Diversity Office @tudo_family_and_diversity on Mondays and Fridays.
Further information on the many diversity activists and work areas at TU Dortmund University can be found here.
From May 8, 2026
In May, the Queer* Peers (the network of queer* employees at TU Dortmund University) embellish the construction fence in front of the Central Library with a poster exhibition.
"bunt ist schöner" is a poster series by Kassandra Ruhm, who is committed to social diversity and respect for people from different backgrounds.
Kassandra Ruhm took the photographs for the series, wrote the texts in consultation with the people depicted, designed the posters and put them together as a whole.
Audible image descriptions (for blind and visually impaired people) can be accessed via QR codes on the posters.
How to get to the poster exhibition
- From Emil-Figge-Straße 50 straight ahead in the direction of S/H-Bahn "Universität", turn right towards Mensa-Brücke, posters are located after a few meters on the left side at the construction fence
- From the direction of the main cafeteria Campus Nord, straight ahead in the direction of the S/H-Bahn "Universität", cross the cafeteria bridge, posters are located after a few meters on the right side of the construction fence
May 12, 2026
At HoKiDo e.V. - day care center and family center takes place on
12.05. 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.
My opinion, our freedom.
Freedom of expression, its social limits and guarantees.
Together with students, the Department of Political Science is organizing exchange formats (and a small exhibition from 12 May) in the foyer of EF50. The events are part of Freedom of Expression Week and Basic Law Day and are embedded in TU Dortmund University's Diversity Month in May.
"What you don't want done to you ..." | Freedom of expression and its (social) limits
Start: May 12, 2026 6:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Venue: Emil-Figge-Str. 50 HS2
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? May, 19 10:00 a.m.
Where? Zoom
More information on reconciling care with studies and work here.
My opinion, our freedom.
Freedom of expression, its social limits and guarantees.
Together with students, the Department of Political Science is organizing exchange formats (and a small exhibition from 12 May) in the foyer of EF50. The events are part of Freedom of Expression Week and Basic Law Day and are embedded in TU Dortmund University's Diversity Month in May.
"What we love, we also protect ..." | Freedom of expression and its guarantor(s)
Start: May 19, 2026 6 - 8 p.m.
Venue: Emil-Figge-Str. 50 HS2
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.
The event will take place at the IBZ (Emil-Figge-Straße 61, 44227 Dortmund). No registration is required.
The lecture will be delivered in English and will be subtitled in English and German.
If you have any special requirements that we should take into account when organising the event, please let us know by 12 May by emailing nicole.jansen@tu-dortmund.de.
Awareness concept Diversity Day May 19, 2026 incl. Code of Conduct to follow
May 20, 2026
40th Campus Run of the TU Dortmund University
A total of seven disciplines are on offer - from the Kids Run (600 meters) over the familiar distances of 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km to the Mathetower Run over 220 steps, the 4 x 2.5 km relay competition and the Campus Champ Challenge, everything is included.
You can find all the information on the various disciplineshere and register directly below. In comparison to almost all other runs, the TU Dortmund University will award prizes in the categories male, female and diverse (m/f/d).
Further information about the campus run can be found here.
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?
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.
When? May, 21 2026 - 2 pm - 4 pm
Where? TU Dortmund University (exact location will follow after registration)
Registration: https://eveeno.com/301640211
Registration deadline: May, 11 2026
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.
May 22, 2026
TU Dortmund University's Family Service invites you to a joint online lunch talk focusing on cures for family caregivers and parents.
Family caregivers and parents do a lot of care work every day. A suitable cure can provide relief and create space for exchange. In this lunch talk, Mario Schmidt from the Caritas Association Dortmund will inform all interested parties about cures for family caregivers and mother-father-child cures*. After a short input, participants are invited to ask questions.
When: May 22, 2026, 12:00-12:30 p.m.
Where? Online
Speaker: Mario Schmidt
Register here: https://eveeno.com/296133380
If you have any questions, please contact the Family Service team.
*This term goes back to § 41 SGB V. Cures are usually taken by one parent/guardian + child(ren). If medically necessary, a family cure (with two parents/guardians) can also be considered. Some facilities also offer cures for rainbow families as well as solo multi-parenthood with specially designed offers.
Is your first term paper due? Are you about to start researching literature? Zotero can help you keep track! The new workshop Zotero - Easy Start for students with visual impairments or blindness shows how to do this.
Literature management programs take work off your hands and make the writing process easier. The open source program Zotero allows you to collect and sort literature. You can cite from Zotero in your writing program with the citation style of your choice and create a bibliography. This leaves you more time for the actual writing!
Do you use assistive technologies such as magnification software or voice output and/or operate your PC using a keyboard? Then this offer is for you!
Registration and contact
If you are interested, please register by e-mail for the Zotero workshop on 22.5.26 from 10.00-11.30. In order to be able to offer you a workshop tailored exactly to your needs, we would like to ask you to answer the following questions in your registration e-mail:
- Which operating system / writing program do you use?
- Which assistive technologies do you use (e.g. which screen reader, which magnification software)?
- Do you use your own laptop in the workshop or do you need a loaner device with appropriate assistive technology?
If you need further support, please let us know so that we can find a good solution together. Thank you for your help!
We look forward to the workshop with you!
For more accessible services at the UB
May 26, 2026
With the "Hands-on fire safety training", we cordially invite all students and employees with disabilities at TU Dortmund University not only to learn about fire safety, but also to experience it in practice. Our aim is to show you concrete options for action in the event of a fire and to develop solutions together that take your individual needs into account. At the end of the event, the evening will end with a cozy get-together.
Registration deadline: May, 1st 2026
Registration by e-mail to: andrea.hellbusch@tu-dortmund.de
There are no costs.
Further information here: https://dobus.zhb.tu-dortmund.de/nachrichtendetail/brandschutzschulung-zum-anfassen-sicherheit-erleben-und-mitgestalten-62037/
Does freedom need remembrance?
Thought process in Dortmund's city center
As part of the UA Ruhr Annual Program Antidiscrimination 2026, SchuDS cordially invites all members of TU Dortmund University, Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen to a stumbling stone walk in Dortmund.
When? May, 26th 2026 - 2:00-4:30 pm
Where? Dortmund city center (exact location will follow after registration)
Registration? https://eveeno.com/521785159
Registration deadline May, 22nd 2026
During a walk through Dortmund's city center, we invite you to think and talk: at the "Stolpersteine", which commemorate people from Dortmund who were deported during National Socialism, at the traces of memory of the destruction of Dortmund in the air raids of the Second World War in the city church of St. Reinoldi and the "empty spaces" of the destroyed synagogues in the city center; and finally at the Steinwache memorial and at the memorial for the NSU victims. Does freedom need remembrance? Which memories? Of whom? Of what? And why? We will also talk about how commemorative signs are designed in public spaces. Do they need an artistic form? And further: On whose initiative are they erected?
The walk will be led by Prof. Dr. Barbara Welzel.
May 29, 2026
Scientists with disabilities are severely underrepresented in the German academic system. Various barriers to entry into academia play a particular role for people with disabilities/chronic illnesses who are interested in pursuing a doctorate. In order to overcome these particular access barriers and to strengthen the continuous visibility of the topics of diversity and inclusion in science, the Rectorate of TU Dortmund University decided in summer 2025 to implement a new university-wide funding program that can financially support the targeted recruitment of qualified doctoral candidates with disabilities.
In the half-hour online information event, Nadine Finke-Micheel (CFV staff unit) will present the new funding program and the necessary application requirements. Andrea Hellbusch will also present the (peer) support options offered by DoBuS.
We look forward to the exchange and your questions!
When: May 29, 2026, 09:30-10:00 a.m.
Where? Online
Speakers: Nadine Finke-Micheel, Equal Opportunities, Family and Diversity Office (CFV) and Andrea Hellbusch, DoBuS
Target groups: Supervisors and those interested in a doctorate
June 9, 2026
TUDoing Difference - Rethinking diversity and inclusion orientation in research and teaching
Following last year's successful event, all members of TU Dortmund University are once again invited to join us this year as part of "TUDoing Difference" to explore the question of how we at TU Dortmund University deal with perceived or actual differences in studying, teaching and research. As part of the event, the Vice-President Diversity will present the initiative DIVERSITY IN RESEARCH STRENGTHEN funding program for the establishment of positions for doctoral students with disabilities, which was decided by the Rectorate. In addition, Dr Laura Dobusch (University of Vienna) and Dr Alexandra Schweiger (Leibniz Society; requested) will provide interesting insights into how organizations in other contexts address diversity in terms of inclusive organizational development. The IDEAward will also be presented again this year. The award winner will give an insight into her inclusion-oriented teaching concept.
When: June 9, 2026 2 - 5 p.m.
Where? TU Dortmund University Rudolf Chaudoire Pavilion
Program information will follow
What can you expect?
- Suggestions on how teaching can be further developed in an inclusion-oriented way
- Information on current TU Dortmund University initiatives in the context of diversity
- Impulses from research and practice on how research and teaching can be further developed in a diversity-sensitive way
- Exchange and contacts with colleagues from the departments and central institutions
Past events
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
In May, TU Guides and those who want to become TU Guides come together in the Talent Scouting offices. In addition to content-related training on the tasks of TU Guides*, the main focus here is on exchanging ideas and networking.
When? Tuesday, 05.05.2026, 14:15 - 15:45
Where? Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Str. 20, Room 1.18
Registration by e-mail to: tu-guides@tu-dortmund.de
Registration deadline: April 28
More information about the TU-Guides can be found here: https: //www.tu-dortmund.de/tu-guides
*TU Guides are committed students at TU Dortmund University who volunteer to provide guidance for pupils by giving them a personal picture of their subject and everyday life at university.
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 8-10, 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