"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 in the afternoon), 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. All events will be held in German.

Programme:

1.30–6 pm | Marketplace (Foyer C19)
Poster presentations, bookstall, information and hands-on activities, as well as interactive experiences (VR headsets)

2 pm | Welcome and introduction (C19.00.02-03)
Professor Julia Knop, Vice-President for Academic Affairs

2.15–3.15 pm | Keynote talk (C19.00.02-03)
Invisible barriers, invisible potential: Neurodiversity as a catalyst for an inclusive university culture
Dr Mechthild Richter and Dr Cedric Steinert

3.30–4.15 pm | Panel discussion (C19.00.02-03)
Living with neurodiversity
featuring, among others, Professor Andrea Bührmann (Chair of the University Council at the University of Erfurt) and Anna-Lena Malter (journalist, UE alumna)
Moderator: Professor Julia Knop

4.30–5.30 pm | Workshops (concurrent, target group-specific)

• Neurodiversity in teaching 
• Neurodiversity in student advisory services and administration 
• Neurodiversity in schools 
• Neurodiversity in higher education 

from 6 pm | Reading and discussion
with Aleksander Knauerhase (Café “Hörsaal 7”)

Organisational note
Please note that on “Dies Academicus”, only the afternoon (2–7 pm) is free of teaching. Morning classes will take place as usual.

We want to hear your views!
To accompany this event, we warmly invite you to take part in a short university-wide survey on the topic of neurodiversity. Your experiences and views – whether from your studies, teaching or administration – form an important basis for the further development of an inclusive university culture. >> Go to the survey!