Special focus: Democracy and academic freedom
How vulnerable is freedom? In the autumn of 2026, you can explore this question and the fragile balance between democracy and academic freedom through two traveling exhibitions, which will be on display from October 1 through November 13, 2026 on the 1st floor of the university library and on Ludwig-Witthöft-Platz in front of the library.
The Career Center for Professorial Development cordially invites you to visit the exhibits and gain inspiration from our events (see below).
“Genuine scope for innovation exists only where science is free and democracy is vibrant. Just how precious and vulnerable this foundation is serves as a reminder that we must never take these spaces for granted – they must be tested, discussed and protected on a daily basis. This is precisely why we are creating specific spaces for encounter this autumn: our two campus exhibitions, as well as the event ‘Kaffeekanne auf. Debate on.’ on 28 October invite us all to look, listen and live out academic freedom as a shared responsibility.”
(Ulrike Tippe, President of TH Wildau)
Exhibits on campus
Coffee On, Debate On: Academic Freedom and Democracy in Conversation
October 28, 2026, 09:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | 1st floor of the University library (elevator available) | in spoken German
Moderated by Susanne Trotzki, radioSKW
Susanne Trotzki is a long-standing radio presenter and is known in the region as ‘Susanne am Morgen’. Having worked in Berlin for organisations including Berliner Rundfunk, Deutschland Radio and Radio Paradiso, she helps listeners start their day.
She can also be found on stage at many events across the region. Since 2023, Susanne Trotzki has been in charge of the radio series ‘TH Themen’ in collaboration with Technische Hochschule Wildau – Technical University of Applied Sciences.
Featuring speeches by
Prof. Dr Ulrike Tippe, President of TH Wildau
Democracy and academic freedom from a university perspective
Professor Ulrike Tippe, President of TH Wildau, highlights the importance of democracy and academic freedom from the perspective of TH Wildau.
Under the theme ‘Academic Freedom, Democracy and Scope for Action’, she focuses on the current challenges and opportunities facing the university. After all, genuine scope for innovation arises where academia is free and democracy is vibrant.
Frank Nerlich, Mayor of the university town of Wildau
Democracy and academic freedom from a regional perspective
Mr Frank Nerlich, Mayor of the university town of Wildau, examines democracy and academic freedom from the town’s perspective.
The discussion will focus on the importance of democratic values for the region, positive examples from local government practice – but also on existing challenges and the question of how democracy can be kept alive and made sustainable at a local level.
Paula Riechardt, Foundation for Places of German Democratic History
Paula Riechardt is a cultural historian and works as a content manager at the Foundation for Places of German Democratic History. Her international study and research experience in South Korea, Hungary and Estonia complements her expertise in transnational discourses on memory and identity.
How have people fought for, defended and brought democratic rights to life in their everyday lives? The lecture focuses on the places where these actions took place – from public spaces and market squares, through venues for campaigning for equality, to spaces for civic engagement.
Dr Lars Lott, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Dr Lars Lott is a political scientist at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and conducts research into academic freedom, democratic resilience and the stability of autocracies. He is the project coordinator for the Academic Freedom Index.
What is the current state of academic freedom? How has it developed? What are the causes of attacks on academic freedom? Lars Lott’s lecture addresses these questions, using data from the Academic Freedom Index to explore them with the audience.
Argumentation Trainings for Democracy: “Das Argutraining #Wi(e)der_sprechen für Demokratie”
In German: October 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | in the lecture hall of the university library
In English: November 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. | in the lecture hall of the university library
In our daily interactions, a wide variety of opinions, perspectives, and values come into contact with one another. This gives rise to challenges and conflicts in our coexistence, which can go hand in hand with social polarization. Suddenly, it becomes “us against them”. But how can we resolve this situation so that we can once again listen to one another, engage with one another, and have constructive discussions—both at work and in our everyday lives?
Based on a respectful approach and the principles of nonviolent communication and systemic counseling, this training session focuses on developing practical strategies for action. The training provides a framework that enables participants to set boundaries, address issues, and clarify their own position in a constructive manner that is less confrontational and fosters cooperation on an equal footing.
The training sessions are led by two certified coaches from Gegen Vergessen – für Demokratie e. V. Association.
Please register by email at karrierezentrum(at)th-wildau.de
Staff should please confirm in their email that their respective supervisor (cc'd) approves their participation. Please note that places are limited – they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register no later than two working days before the date of the relevant workshop.
With funding from the:
