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

The University of Erfurt is once again inviting visitors to a “Dies Academicus” on 3 June 2026. This time, the focus will be on neurodiversity in studying, teaching and research.

Depending on the definition, statistically five to ten percent of the population is neurodivergent. However, these neurological dispositions (e.g. AD(H)S, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia and giftedness) are hardly visible in the general consciousness; there is (too) little knowledge and (too) many clichés. This special day on “Neurodiversity on Campus” aims to strengthen 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 formats for information, participation and exchange, and make visible the specific needs, skills and challenges of neurodivergent adults in studies and teaching. The event is aimed at all university members – whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, with or without previous experience of neurodiversity. On Wednesday, 3 June 2026 (no committees or teaching), four to five time slots will be allocated for (parallel) events such as short lectures and expert panel discussions, workshops and poster presentations on relevant research and teaching projects on campus, networking opportunities and information stands.

Further information on the programme will be available here and in our event calendar in good time.