University Forum: Power and Abuse of Power in Science
University Forum: Power and Abuse of Power in Science
"The structures of the German science system are an open invitation to abuse of power." These are the opening words of the open letter signed by more than 200 professors in April 2023 calling on politicians and universities to take action.
Abuse of power in science is often rooted in structural factors that create strong dependency relationships, such as fixed-term employment contracts or the supervision of doctoral theses. Abuse of power has many faces - be it an unlawfully high workload, the demand to employ questionable scientific procedures, the arbitrary exercise of decision-making power, the appropriation of intellectual property, the exercise of sexualized or discriminatory violence, or the like. Those affected rarely report these cases - out of fear for their careers or out of shame. The cases are even more seldom investigated and solved.
Abuse of power is still a taboo subject in science. In a university-wide and public University Forum held on December 12 and December 14, 2023, the Extended University Executive Board would therefore like to give all TUD members the opportunity to contribute their opinions, experiences and questions on this topic. The forum will not only address the concept of power and the various forms of abuse of power at universities, but will also look at case studies and address the hurdles in dealing with abuse of power. Participants are free to share their own experiences.
The university forum will be held in both a German-language session (December 12, 2023, 9:00 am to noon) and an English-language session (December 14, 2023, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm). The event will take place on both days in the Dülfer-Saal (access via Dülferstraße, corner Mommsenstraße/Alte Mensa, 1st floor).
We strive to make it as easy as possible for everyone to access our events. If you have any need for support due to language or other barriers, please let us know by email . Written transcription will be available.
Please register in advance if you would like to attend.
Click here to register for the event in German.
Click here to register for the event in English.
| 9 a.m. |
Introduction & Welcome Moderation: Ayanda Rogge, Institute of Media and Communication |
| 9:10 a.m. | Short welcome address from various status groups of the university |
| 9:25 a.m. |
Input: Abuse of Power in Science Prof. Daniel Leising, Chair of Assessment and Intervention (Faculty of Psychology) |
| 9:40 a.m. | Interactive Presentation of Experience Reports |
| 10:10 a.m. | Exchange in the World Café |
| 11 a.m. | Fishbowl discussion "Reporting the Abuse of Power - Pros and Cons" |
| 11:45 a.m. | Feedback & Farewell |
Take our voluntary and anonymous survey to help us prepare for the University Forum. Tell us about your experiences with the topic of abuse of power and wishes for the University Forum. Of course, we will treat your data confidentially. It is not possible to draw conclusions about your person. A conclusion on your person is not possible.
Click here for the survey in German.
Click here for the survey in English.
About the lectures series: The University Forums are a dialogue format that provides a platform for intra-university exchange on controversial topics. The debates in the University Forum are intended to make the participants' points of view and their justifications visible - (as far as possible) through an interdisciplinary, non-hierarchical approach, full of diversity, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect for the opinions and attitudes of all participants. The university forums represent a resonance chamber for the diversity of perspectives at our university and offer all university members the opportunity to participate - especially on issues that affect the entire university.