Dies Academicus

Dies Academicus – Latin for "academic day" – refers to an academic holiday on which regular teaching is interrupted. The non-teaching day is common at many universities and is often celebrated on the founding date or a date important to the university. In addition to award ceremonies or alumni reunions, this day can also be used for a joint identity-building programme.

Dies Academicus 2026

On 3 June 2026, the University of Erfurt hosted its Dies Academicus ‘Neurodiversity in Study, Teaching and Research’, focusing on the visibility, challenges and potential of neurodivergent people in higher education. Key topics included dealing with ADHD, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia and giftedness. The aim was to enhance knowledge and awareness, present research findings and promote dialogue on an inclusive university culture.

The programme included a marketplace with information and hands-on activities, a keynote speech on inclusive higher education culture, a panel discussion on living with neurodiversity, and various workshops on neurodiversity in teaching, studying, counselling, administration and schools. The event concluded with a discussion with the author Aleksander Knauerhase.

event poster (pdf for download)

Blog posts on the "Dies Akademicus"

Appreciate, don't judge! – Professor Julia Knop, Vice President for Academic Affairs in an interview on the "Dies Academicus" 2026 (in German only)
"Anyone who knows a neurodiverse person knows exactly one!" – Alumna Anna-Lena reports on her experiences with neurodivergence during her studies (in German only)
"The brains of neurodivergent people function with a different operating system" – The university group “Neuro-Spectrum” introduces itself (in German only)
“Neuro-inclusive higher education: Why good structures help everyone” – Interview with Dr Mechthild Richter and Dr Cedric Steinert from the Faculty of Education (in German only)