Day 1 - “Language Connects“
Language is an expression for the perception and interpretation of the world and diversity. It can create identity and a sense of belonging and is therefore a central element on the path to an inclusive university. How can an inclusive language be established at the university that appropriately represents and includes all members of the university – far from discrimination? On the first day of the Diversity Days 2024, we heard a keynote speech on this question by Prof Dr Fereidooni entitled ‘Experiences of discrimination at the university’, followed by two presentations by Hanna Bruns and Ted Richthofen on gendered language and trans* fashion respectively. Afterwards, visitors were able to take part in five different workshops on the topic of language and diversity.
Day 2 - “Women Empowering STEM”
The second day of the Diversity Days focussed on the topic of ‘Women Empowering STEM’. There were several exciting presentations by female professors from the University of Bonn from the fields of mathematics, natural sciences, computer science and medicine.
Dr Imke Leicht opened the day with a key note on the gender gap at universities and in business. She was followed by five presentations in which successful female scientists reported on their personal development and career paths. Prof Dr Katrin Paeschke, Prof Dr Vera Traub, Junior Prof Dr Ala Bunescu, Jun Prof Dr Andrina Nicola and Jun Prof Dr Lena Funcke also took part in the subsequent panel discussion and later P.I. meeting. In the afternoon, visitors again had the opportunity to take part in various workshops and socialise with each other.