Fear in democracy, the power of emotions, and the rise of new authoritarianism: many events in the current Bürgeruniversität program engage with pressing public debates and examine them through the lenses of conflict studies, sociology, law and political science. One highlight is the 24th Frankfurter Stadtgespräch (Civic Dialogue) in June, which will address the topic "Defending Democracy: Opportunities and Limits of Banning Political Parties."
The program also offers a rich selection for literature enthusiasts. Its most prominent event is the Frankfurt Poetics Lectures, where acclaimed young author Joshua Groß will deliver three lectures in June under the title "Walking Beside Oneself: Thinking in Avatars". The colloquium "Modern German Literature" explores the role of literature in contemporary society, while another lecture series focuses on "The Middle Ages and Children's Literature".
Two major festivals highlight the diversity of research at Goethe University. The student-organized Night of Science on Campus Riedberg in June will present twelve hours of hands-on science for visitors of all ages, with computer science as the special focus of this 25th anniversary edition. In September, the Science Festival Frankfurt will take place on Rossmarkt under the motto "Gude Zukunft" ("Hello Future"), organized by the 16 members of the Frankfurt Alliance. Goethe University researchers from a wide range of fields will present their projects there.
The discussion series AU•T•OP•SIEN will showcase special collections held by the University Library. Among the events held by Fritz Bauer Institute will be "Memories of Micha Brumlik", featuring companions and colleagues such as Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Hauke Brunkhorst and Dan Diner. Meanwhile, the Museum Giersch of Goethe University exhibition "Multispecies Members Club: New Alliances Between Living and Artificial Systems" brings scientists and artists together to explore how a technologized society might be built on care and participation rather than competition.
The Bürgeruniversität program is available at public institutions across the city and in Goethe University's online events calendar at: www.buerger.uni-frankfurt.de/
Most Bürgeruniversität events are free of charge and can be attended without prior registration.
The first Bürgeruniversität was launched in 2008 - the same year Goethe University became a foundation university, returning to its historical roots. Goethe University Frankfurt was originally founded in 1914 by citizens of Frankfurt as Germany's first university established through civic philanthropy.
