As part of the Europe Weeks, the City of Bochum invites the public to the UniverCity Europe Day on 16 May 2025. The event features a diverse program including a workshop, a panel discussion, and a closing get-together. Under the theme “The Threat of Disinformation & Safeguarding Academic Freedom”, the day is aimed at citizens, researchers, and everyone committed to democracy and public enlightenment in Europe.
Empowerment Against Fake News – Workshop “faktenstark”
From 2 to 5 PM, the workshop “Strong Democracies Through Informed Citizens” will offer practical methods for dealing with disinformation. Led by the “faktenstark” project (Amadeu Antonio Foundation, Bertelsmann Foundation, and the association codetect), participants will learn how to identify and effectively respond to disinformation – both online and offline. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required by 14 May.
Panel Discussion: Who Decides What May Be Researched?
Starting at 6 PM, experts will discuss academic freedom in Europe in a public panel. Topics will include growing skepticism toward science, political interference, and societal pressure on researchers. Dr. Josephine B. Schmitt from the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), drawing on her expertise in hate speech and extremist propaganda, will contribute insights on the digital threats facing science today.
Further Guests Include:
- Prof. Dr. Thomas Viola Rieske (Professor of Education with a focus on Early Childhood Education, Protestant University of Applied Sciences Bochum)
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Sigrid Graumann (Professor of Ethics in the Department of Special Needs Education and Nursing, and Rector, Protestant University of Applied Sciences Bochum)
- Iris Vernekohl (Representative for the Scholars at Risk Network, Ruhr University Bochum)
- Dr. Ismail Küpeli (Political scientist with expertise in nationalism, racism, and antisemitism in Germany and Turkey, Ruhr University Bochum)
Moderation: Johannes Meyer, independent journalist.
After the discussion, an informal get-together with music and snacks invites participants to connect and exchange ideas. Admission is free.
The UniverCity Europe Day is a joint initiative of UniverCity Bochum e.V., the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Bochum, and the City of Bochum. It is supported by the state initiative “Europa-Schecks” from the Ministry for Federal and European Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia.