02/06/2026
~ Lecture Series: “Thinking Ahead - Haltung und Zusammenarbeit im Hochschulalltag ~
➡️ Paths towards a more inclusive university: the metaphor of the little mermaid and the LGBTQIA+ population experiences in university settings.
11 JUNE | 5-6pm | Daniel Manzoni de Almeida ()
This lecture uses the metaphor of the Little Mermaid to reflect on the experiences of the LGBT+ population in the university environment, highlighting the tensions between visibility, belonging, and silencing. Understanding the university as a space for professional, intellectual, and human development, it discusses diversity as the coexistence of multiple identities. Through concrete cases based on observation and personal experience, it reveals practices of exclusion that range from microaggressions to macroaggressions. The lecture reflects on how we can develop different forces of existence, like a "mermaid" navigating through different worlds, to face and overcome these aggressions, strengthening our resilience, support networks, and identity affirmation. It proposes a critical reflection on our collective responsibility and suggests paths toward a more inclusive university based on respect, recognition of others, and valuing vulnerability as a source of strength.
➡️ Teaching across academic and cultural backgrounds: encouraging student participation, enhancing motivation and appreciating feedback in higher education
18 JUNE | 5-6pm | Prof. Zeynap Altintas
Valuing students' contributions and taking their feedback seriously are important aspects when establishing a motivating, supportive and successful (international) teaching and learning environment. This includes finding a common language and identifying as well as closing knowledge gaps within student groups which are oftentimes diverse and heterogenous, bringing together different educational, cultural and social experiences.
This lecture reflects on the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and motivating learning environments, addressing differences in academic learning cultures and practical approaches that support constructive interaction, communication and student well-being in education.
