POWER TO THE CITIES?

Power and the pandemic: Should cities and local authorities obtain more democratic control and resources these days? The Conference Week focuses on the role of cities. Can on-site decisions and communication promote the citizens’ self-efficacy and democratic imagination? How could that look like in detail? Who would agree to hand over power – the state parliaments, the Lower House? And: which role does the idea of a “republic of Europe” play?

Together with around 1.500 first semester students, you started your studies with the opening week under the title “FUTURE:CITIES” by working in a project. During the 14^th Conference Week, you will present the ideas you developed in the module “Responsibility and Sustainability” to both the University and the whole city.

Accompanied by experts from different disciplines such as politics, economy, and science, you will reflect on what future cities could be like. During our digital conference that takes place from 23^rd until 26^th February 2021, our live studio invites you to join our daily keynotes and magazines. Renowned guests participate in the conference week: the German environment minister Svenja Schulze, Maja Göpel, an expert on transformation studies, the philosopher Richard David Precht, the Green politician Aminata Touré and Ulrike Guérot whose research focuses on the future of Europe.

Responsibility for a future world: What would you like to contribute?

For the Conference Week, each year means a fresh start. This year, however, the pandemic causes a deep change: There will be only digital formats. Still, it is the students of the Leuphana Semester who act as main protagonists. By presenting their “Projektgruppen Sessions” and “Seminarplenen”, they create major parts of the programme. Also, they exchange their ideas with guests and lecturers in digital discussions and workshops. Together, all participants search for responsible guidelines for science – under the title “Power to the cities”.

The English programme can be found here.

The different formats identify the roles and perspectives of those involved in the Conference Week. For the students, that implies great challenges and excitement at the same time. On the one hand, the events are part of the “Studien- and Prüfungsleistungen” and offer practical research experience. On the other hand, the students may choose their individual programme out of a variety of formats.

“ARENA“ – KEYNOTE AND PANEL DISCUSSION

The so-called “Arena“ appeals to a wide audience by focusing on the big questions of sustainability. In digital keynotes and panel discussions, renowned guests from all over the country contribute to vivid debates.

„PROJEKTGRUPPEN SESSION“ – ORAL PRESENTATION

The projects have been the students’ first steps into the world of science. Via Zoom, four project groups from two seminars get into contact. In these so-called “Projektgruppen Sessions”, each group gets 30 minutes time to present their project outcomes to one another. The students learn from each other by getting to know different perspectives and research methods. To accompany the students and to hold their oral exams, the lecturers of the young scientists are part of the audience.

„SEMINARPLENUM“  - FINAL SEMINAR MEETING

The so-called “Seminarplenum” brings back the whole seminar for a final exchange. All seminar members meet up in a digital working space and discuss and compare their different ideas and approaches concerning the seminar topic. The focus lies on responsible solutions. This research debate is a central part of the “Studienleistung”. It can be open to a public audience or not – as the students decide.

All guests can be found here.