"Dies academicus": Neurodiversity in studies, teaching and research

The University of Erfurt sees itself as a diversity-sensitive, learning institution at which needs- and interest-oriented programmes and measures are to be developed that promote a diversity-sensitive teaching and learning culture. Every year at the end of May/beginning of June, the "Diversity Days" take place worldwide, nationally and also in Thuringia. The University of Erfurt also regularly takes part and would like to organise a "Day of Teaching/Dies academicus" in the summer semester (prospectively every two years), which focuses on one dimension of diversity/diversity – in 2026: Neurodivergence. This includes AD(H)S, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia and giftedness.

Depending on the definition, five to ten per cent of the population are statistically neurodivergent. However, these neurological dispositions are barely visible to the general public; there is (too) little knowledge and (too) many clichés. The Teaching Day "Neurodiversity on Campus" aims to increase knowledge and awareness, highlight the presence and relevance of the topic in university education (especially in teacher training), present our own research on the topic, open up information, participation and exchange formats and make the specific needs, competences and challenges of neurodivergent adults visible in studies and teaching. All university members are addressed – whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, with or without previous contact with neurodivergence. On Wednesday 3 June 2026 (when there are no committees or teaching), there will be four to five (parallel) time slots, including short lectures and expert panels, workshops and poster presentations on relevant research and teaching projects on campus, networking opportunities and information stands.

Programme: (in planning)

1:30–6 p.m. (KIZ Foyer)
Marketplace

• information from networks, study groups, counselling centres
• counselling services offered by the University of Erfurt
• book table
• posters on teaching and research projects on the topic of neurodiversity

2 p.m.
Welcome and introduction

2.15–3.15 p.m.
Keynote speech

3.30–4.15 p.m.
Panel discussion (with students, doctoral/postdoctoral researchers, professors, representatives from schools)

4:30–5:30 p.m.
Parallel target group-specific workshops
Neurodiversity in studies and teaching, counselling and administration

from 6 p.m. (café “Hörsaal 7”)
Reading and discussion
guest: Aleksander Knauerhase

Further information to follow.