Diversity Days 2025

To kick off the Diversity Days, the panel discussion "Thinking Diversely: Because origin doesn't fit into any box" invites you to shed light on the topic of "origin" in all its diversity: socially, linguistically, culturally and politically. Experts from various fields will discuss how origin can shape people and create a sense of belonging - but also deny access and potentially reinforce inequality. The discussion opens up space for different experiences, critical perspectives and new questions. Following the moderated discussion, the audience is invited to contribute own questions and thoughts.

Our experts

• Farahnaz Sadidi (Chair of Didactics of Physics, TUD)

• Simon Meier-Vieracker (Chair of Applied Linguistics, TUD)

• Gina Nattke (P.E.A.C.H.)
• Lisa Bendiek (Kulturbüro Sachsen e.V.)

📍 Venue: FOE 102, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To the registration: Panel discussion "Diversely thought - Because origin does not fit into any drawer"

How is diversity dealt with in social and educational institutions? Who is included and who is (un)consciously excluded? What experiences have we had ourselves?

In this interactive workshop, we want to address questions of belonging, difference and participation. A special focus will be placed on the significance of disability and social background. The workshop will focus on educational contexts, such as schools and universities, which we experience, have experienced and/or are currently involved in shaping as learners, teachers or employees.

Together, we will reflect on our experiences and discuss how diversity is lived or limited in educational institutions such as schools or universities. The workshop is guided by short inputs that provide additional impulses to uncover and question dominant ideas of normality and make intersectional connections visible to the participants. Finally, we will turn to the question of how change is possible on both an individual and structural level. The workshop invites participants to think critically, openly and in solidarity about participation and difference and to take a look at their own (educational) biography.

The workshop is open to students as well as TUD staff and lecturers.

The workshop will be led by Hannah Kröll (she/he). Hannah is a sociologist and diversity trainer and is working on her doctorate on ableism and structural inequalities.

👤 Inviting organization: Hannah Kröll (Diversity Trainer) / Equality Team of the Faculty of Education
📍 Venue: MS1 322, Münchner Straße 1, 01187 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To register: Living diversity - social inequality and participation in educational institutions (workshop)

The Tutor Café brings together (prospective) female tutors and interested female students to share different experiences, learn from each other and strengthen each other. Over coffee and an open exchange, we take about an hour to talk about our experiences.

This time, to mark Diversity Week , we are tackling the supposedly simple question: "Where do you actually come from?" What does this question do to us? Why does it particularly affect those whose name, skin color or appearance do not seem "typically German"? And how can we deal with this question confidently?

In this format, the participants share their experiences, promote mutual understanding and develop strategies together on how to deal with challenging situations with confidence and strength.

📍 Venue: FOE 148, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To register: Female Tutor Café: Where do you actually come from?

Mental stress and illness are common - almost everyone knows someone who is affected. But how can we support those around us and at the same time look after our own mental health? This presentation introduces the concept of "First aid for the soul": practical and relevant to everyday life. At the same time, we will shed light on how origins influence our mental health and coping strategies.

👤 Inviting organization: Judith Herbers and Natalie Franke (university group AufeinanderAchten e.V.)
📍 Venue: online (access after registration)
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To register: AufeinanderAchten - What is first aid for the soul and what influence does origin have?

The tour provides insights into the different origins of plants and offers an overview of the history of plant collections and discoveries. It also covers the biographies of colleagues and everyday exchanges with visitors from all over the world. A current example is the cooperation with Vietnam, which aims to establish the country's first botanical garden and is linked to reciprocal visits and close local contacts.

👤 Contact person: Oliver Kurzweg (greenhouse manager)
📍 Venue: Botanical Garden Dresden, Stübelallee 2, 01307 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To register: Plant worlds and their roots (guided tour)

Our family of origin, our country of origin and our culture of origin also shape our language. Unfortunately, German is one of the languages with a lot of vocabulary that expresses violence. The founder of non-violent communication, Marshall Rosenberg, called NVC the language of life. It is based on being able to name our feelings and underlying needs and - if we deem it appropriate - to express them openly. These feelings and needs are the same for every person in the world. That is why we can understand everyone. If you are interested in this concept, these workshops are just right for you. The two events are not consecutive and can be attended separately. On Tuesday, the workshop is based on a PowerPoint, which not only explains the concept but also the background, and on Thursday on exercise sheets.

👤 Workshop leader: Gerlinde Behnke
📍 Venue: FOE 101, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To register: Non-violent communication according to Rosenberg

The Come-Together is a space where international staff from all areas of the university can meet, exchange ideas, and network. In a relaxed atmosphere, we will have conversations about personal experiences, challenges and ways to make the working and research culture at TUD even more inclusive.

Representatives from the International Office will be on hand to hear your suggestions on how the university could provide better support for international colleagues in future. Our goal is to encourage exchange and networking, and to help shape a diverse and inclusive university culture.

👤Workshop management: Qin Hu und Dr. Steffi Nothnagel (International Office TUD)
📍 Venue: FOE 180, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German and English
✅ No registration required.

The workshop is dedicated to tracing the formative influences of life, education and career paths. By examining personality dimensions, participants will be able to determine their own position and how privileges and barriers influence their actions in everyday life, at work and in academia. Concepts of gender, diversity, biography and academic research illustrate the interaction between identity and social conditions. The focus is on reflecting on "situatedness", i.e. the temporal, contextual and subjective position that determines perception and research. Project and case studies will be used to show how the consideration of gender and diversity aspects in technical research and development leads to fairer, more sustainable results. The workshop is part of the ESF-funded SustainING project.

👤Workshop chair: Prof. Dr. Cornelia^Breitkopf , Dr. Sandra^Buchmüller
📍 Venue: FOE 101, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German
✅ To register: Who am I and what brought me here?

The "Young Voices" workshop is aimed at Spanish-speaking TUD students, especially from Latin America, who live and study in Germany. The aim of the event is to create a safe and participatory space in which participants can strengthen their self-confidence, discover their own strengths and share experiences in their native Spanish.

Through creative methods, group work and artistic forms of expression, students reflect on topics such as identity, belonging, resilience and future perspectives. The Spanish language serves not only as a means of communication, but also as a cultural and emotional anchor that strengthens the sense of community.

The workshop aims to encourage participants to recognize their potential and appreciate the diversity of their life paths. At the same time, it promotes intercultural dialog by giving visibility to a diverse and growing community of Spanish-speaking students.

👤Inviting organization: DE-LATAM e.V
📍 Venue: LSK/MSZ, Zellescher Weg 22, SE1-217 (on the 2nd floor)
🗨️ Language: Spanish
✅ for registration: Young voices: Empowerment

In the workshop, the structural limits of the one-size-fits-all approach in teaching are highlighted and unconscious bias is reflected on together in order to consciously use the diverse perspectives of students' origins as a resource. Practical examples and interactive exercises are used to develop concrete, culturally sensitive teaching strategies that promote an inclusive learning environment. Approaches are developed to actively involve students with diverse backgrounds and to sustainably develop their own didactic practice.

Inviting organization: Maja Gültekin (TUTORING hybrid)
📍 Venue: Fritz-Foerster-Bau, Room 101, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German
✅ to registration: Origin and bias in the lecture hall: Recognizing imprints and making teaching more lively

Discuss eight dimensions of work culture with company representatives in German and English: How do we work well together and can we avoid "danger zones" when: Communicating, assessing & giving feedback, persuading, leading, deciding, trusting, disagreeing, planning...!

👤 Inviting organization: Birgit Brand and Thao Luu Thi (Career Service TUD)
📍 Venue: HSZ/304, Bergstraße 64, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German / English
✅ To registration: How we work together

For many people, the decision to study depends largely on the question of funding. At the same time, this is where the boundary between social privilege and disadvantage often becomes apparent. The Market of Opportunities - Discovering ways to finance your studies is intended to provide a contact point where students, prospective students and guardians can obtain comprehensive information on financing options.

From scholarships and BAföG to support programs - experts and advice centers are available to answer individual questions and open up perspectives.

👤 Inviting organization: Diversity Management TUD
📍 Venue: FOE 101, Mommsenstr.6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German / English
✅ Registration is not necessary

People can be affected by (structural) exclusion due to a variety of characteristics. The topics of diversity and inclusion do not stop at the university.

This workshop is aimed both at students who experience exclusion and at people who want to make their own contribution to inclusive coexistence. We will look at various dimensions of diversity and practise dealing with microaggressions and non-violent communication as approaches that promote inclusion during studies.

Inviting organization: Kristin Jäckel (Team Schlüsselkompetenzen@TUD)
📍 Venue: FOE 146, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German
✅ To register: Diversity in studies: Inclusive skills for action

Dimensions of origin - be it geographical, ethnic or socio-economic - have a significant impact on access to healthcare and medical aids and therefore also on participation in society and education. In addition, there are multiple global crises that go hand in hand with access restrictions and limited resources. At the same time, there are fascinating developments in technical possibilities and international networking. These make it possible to rethink the market for medical aids and access to them from the perspective of patient safety.

In this context, a new topic is emerging in the FabLab and maker community: open source MRI. Self-made orthopaedic aids. An e-bike-like wheelchair kit for tuning wheelchairs. An open source Braille machine.

Inviting organization: Anne Röhle und Maik Jähne
📍 Venue (hybrid): SLUB Makerspace M1, Zellescher Weg 17 (DrePunct), Dresden or online via Zoom.
🗨️ Language: German / English
✅ To the registration: Open source health care

Further information will follow shortly.

👤Inviting person: Gerlinde Behnke
📍 Venue: FOE 283, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German
✅ To register: Non-violent communication according to Rosenberg

In this creative zine workshop, we invite people to tell their personal stories in a very special way: by designing their own little magazine - an ArtZine.

In a relaxed and open atmosphere, surrounded by magazines, newspapers and various design materials, space is created for creativity, exchange and reflection. Using simple folding techniques, the participants begin to shape their ideas. They then glue, draw and write - with photos, illustrations, snippets of text or their own words.

At the end of the workshop, each ArtZine is digitized, printed and presented as a personal memento. Anyone who wants to can present their ArtZine to the group and share their own story - this often results in touching moments and valuable connections. The workshop is not just a creative break, but a place to meet and share - because we all have stories to tell. And we often realize: You & I - We Are Not So Different.

👤 Inviting organization: Jugend- und Kulturprojekt e.V.
📍 Venue: FOE 180, Mommsenstr.6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German / English
✅ To the registration: You & I - We Are Not So Different

Debates about refugees and migration are often characterized by prejudices, fears and generalized reporting. The association Zeugen der Flucht Dresden e.V. has been committed to the exchange of experiences between people with and without refugee experience since 2016. In this interactive workshop, we will jointly question common clichés about refugees and their role in our society. Through an open discussion and in a targeted manner, we will encourage reflection and create space for new perspectives.

👤 Inviting organization: Zeugen der Flucht Dresden e.V.
📍 Venue: FOE 180, Mommsenstr. 6, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To registration: Talking to each other instead of about each other

In this talk psychological theories and empirical findings on cultural differences between the east and the west in self-construal, cognitive style, and verbal assertiveness will be presented. We will discuss their implications for cultivating an inclusive university culture.

👤 Keynote speaker: Prof. Shu-Chen Li, Ph.D.
📍 Venue: online via Zoom
🗨️ Language: English
✅ For registration: Please register by email by 26 November 2025 (Registration)

Diversity can be a key success factor for creativity, innovation and the long-term competitiveness of organizations. Different perspectives, experiences and knowledge not only promote the development of new ideas, but also the ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions. At the same time, diversity can increase the attractiveness of an organization for skilled workers, as an inclusive working environment signals appreciation and strengthens long-term loyalty.

However, findings from management research and work and organizational psychology show that diversity alone does not guarantee positive results. Different perspectives can also lead to misunderstandings, conflicts or longer decision-making processes. Rather, the decisive factor is the framework conditions under which people with different backgrounds work together so that the potential of diversity actually becomes effective.

In this 90-minute event organized by the Centre for Demography and Diversity (CDD), key research findings on the organizational consequences of diversity will be presented alongside the theoretical foundations of collaboration between people from different backgrounds. The focus is on the so-called categorization-elaboration model and the theory of social identity. Based on empirical findings, the opportunities that a broader spectrum of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds opens up and the challenges that can be associated with this are also highlighted.

The impulses of the CDD are supplemented by interactive workshop elements in which the participants familiarize themselves with visible diversity characteristics (e.g. age, gender, ethnic origin) as well as hidden characteristics (e.g. experiences, personality, cultural values). In addition, they reflect on and discuss their own experiences of successfully shaping diversity in teams and organizations. Practical case studies will illustrate the role of inclusive leadership, psychological safety and a supportive organizational culture in enabling diversity to develop its full potential.

The aim of the event is to provide an evidence-based understanding of the mechanisms and framework conditions that sustainably promote the positive effects of diversity. Participants will receive concrete ideas on how inclusive work can be implemented in their own academic or professional contexts.

👤 Inviting organization: Prof. Dr. Stefan Razinskas, Director of the Centre for Demography and Diversity (CDD) and Chair of Organization and Management
📍 Venue: HÜL/S386/H, south wing Kreuzbau, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German (interaction in English possible)
✅ To register: Diversity as an opportunity: Scientific impulses for successful cooperation

In this presentation, studies will be presented that deal with the question of whether and how the first language influences the resolution of personal pronouns in a second language. In particular, a study will be presented in which the use of natural gender in the resolution of personal pronouns by Spanish and Chinese learners of German was investigated. Overall, the results of this and other studies indicate that the first language has an influence on the use and weighting of cues. The presentation will end with a discussion of these results and further research questions.

👤 Inviting organization: Equal Opportunities Officer Faculty SLK, Chair
      DaZ/DaF and LMLab
📍 Venue: ABS/0E08, lecture hall building, August-Bebel-Str. 20, 01219 Dresden
🗨️ Language: German
✅ Further information on the Chair's event page.