TU Dresden in Dialogue

Project coordination: Prof. Melanie Humann (Chair of Urbanism and Design, Faculty of Architecture)

The Land Use Action Plan for Johanngeorgenstadt builds on the Erzgebirge Atlas project, which was funded by "TUD in Dialogue" in 2023. The follow-up project takes up the networks that have been established and transfers the successfully initiated dialogue about the region's present into a future perspective. The focus is on Johanngeorgenstadt in the western Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge).

From an urban development perspective, Johanngeorgenstadt has a unique and impressive history due to high migratory dynamics caused by mining activities right up until the last century. The municipality wants to develop a land-use plan for the sustainable distribution of land as well as for the climate-neutral supply of the town. With the Land Use Action Plan project, the Chair of Urbanism and Design will support the municipality in designing the process for the future development of the municipality as a broad and public dialogue about the future. In a trans-disciplinary process, the researchers will bring both their expertise as urban planners and their practical experience in participatory processes to the table. The project is embedded in the municipality's overarching long-term planning process (2023 to 2026).

Further information (in German only)

Project management:

• Dr. Doreen Pretze (Carus Teaching Center of the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine)
• Stephan Wiegand (Directorate 9 – University Culture, Unit Campus Life)
• Gwendolin Kremer (Custody of TUD)

The TUD Lectures series (Directorate University Culture) and the podcast series YOU ASK we explain (Faculty of Medicine), in cooperation with the Office for Academic Heritage, Scientific and Art Collections, are organizing TUD Lectures+. These events create spaces for discussing societal issues on a scientifically sound basis: The topics are presented in an understandable way. Experts from science and practice join the panel to discuss the topics from different perspectives. The audience can engage with the experts by submitting questions in advance or during the recording.

The recordings are made during the on-site events that are like talk shows. The series of events bring questions from the audience to the stage with the intent to interact with the general public. The events take place at locations in and around Dresden which are selected to fit the topic, such as at Kulturpalast Dresden, on market squares, in churches or in beer gardens.

Irrespective of where the experts happen to be sitting, the podcast is not edited or put together retrospectively. Instead, the conversation is recorded and published as it unfolds.

The podcasts are available on the usual platforms.

Further information

Project coordination: Dr. Johannes Schütz, Institute for History

February 13, 1945 has become ingrained in the history of the city of Dresden, and the date has also received broad international attention. Remembering the Allied air raid on Dresden is characterized by a myriad of perspectives, interpretations, and struggles for interpretation. Various international stakeholders from science, literature, art and civil society are exploring the memories of these events. The spectrum ranges from self-critical reflection to extreme right-wing appropriation. The various participants have produced novels, essays, non-fiction books, music and dance performances, paintings and monuments, offers of help and concrete support for reconstruction.

With this in mind, the following question arises: What role did and does transnationality play in the memory of February 13? The interactive "February 13 transnational" forum addresses this key question in a comprehensive and methodical way.

Further information

Project management: Stefanie Schroeder, Directorate 8 – Student Affairs and Continuing Education, ServiceCenterStudies

The Architecture Talks project invites students from grades 7 to 12 who are interested in architecture and landscape architecture to take part in a project week. The aim is to work together on a vision for a sustainable redesign of the school grounds while at the same time increasing the quality of stay. We are looking for ideas for exercise facilities, seating or play areas, cooling and shading, biodiversity and planting.

Further information on the project

Project coordination:

• Claudia Haack (Directorate 8 – Student Affairs and Continuing Education, Central Point of Contact for Schools at TUD)
• Monique Rust (Directorate 9 – University Culture, Unit University and Society)

Students in grades 9 and 11 from various schools learn about history right on the TU Dresden campus. Author Dr. Renatus Deckert reads from Victor Klemperer's diaries and provides an insight into Klemperer's life and times in his reading. Klemperer had close ties to TU Dresden, where he taught and researched as a Professor of Romance Studies before being dismissed from the university in 1935 due to his Jewish heritage. The excerpts from Klemperer's work are annotated and categorised historically. 

Dr. Hagen Schönrich, historian and scientific coordinator of the research project “Technical College of Dresden under National Socialism”, gives an overview of the role of science in Klemperer's time.

Coordination:

• Liane Drößler (Directorate 9 – University Culture, Unit University and Society),
• Anja Wiede (Complaint Office in cases of discrimination harassment, violence at TUD)

The International Weeks Against Racism is a nationwide campaign promoting solidarity with those affected by and those fighting against racism. The campaign takes place annually around March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This year’s theme is “Protect human dignity”. The TUD offer various events during the campaign weeks.

Further information

Project coordination: Reinhild Müller (TUD Botanical Garden)

“Triff die Koryphäe unter der Konifere” (“Meet the Luminary under the Conifer”) is a series of events organized by the Botanical Garden of TUD. The series enables citizens and scientists to spark up conversation with one another in the informal atmosphere of the Botanical Garden. The focus is on the questions and impulses of the guests, so that an open conversation can develop between the visitors and researchers.

Please find further information on the web pages of the Botanical Garden.

Project coordination: Stefanie Gerstenberger (Chair of Political Sciences with a focus on International Politics)

The political, economic and social situation in Syria remains complex and dynamic. Against this background, the Institute of Political Science, Chair of Political Sciences with a focus on International Politics and the Center for International Studies (ZIS) of the TUD are organizing the panel discussion "Syria in Transition – Challenges and Perspectives".

Experts from politics, academia, journalism and the Syrian diaspora will come together to look at Syria's geopolitical situation and the role of the international community – especially Germany – from different perspectives. The event offers a platform for analysis and perspectives and invites an open exchange.

Further information

Contact at TUD:

• Dr. André Lindner and Claudia Seiler, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

United Nations Day has been celebrated for more than ten years. The focus is on a key theme of the United Nations. This year's UN Day Dresden addresses the question of why there is a gender imbalance in career choices in Saxony, despite the region's long tradition in technology and natural sciences. Participants will discuss how early the gender gap emerges in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), what global differences exist, and how innovative teaching and learning methods can help overcome educational inequalities. The Local Agenda Prize Dresden will also be awarded at the event. This award is given to organizations that are committed to sustainable development in Dresden.

Further information and registration