Diversity Days 2026: “Democracy needs diversity; diversity needs democracy”

From May 18 to June 12, 2026, the TU Ilmenau will once again participate in the Diversity Days of Thuringian Universities. Through these action days, members of the Network for Diversity at Thuringian Universities are joining forces to promote diversity, equal opportunity, and democratic coexistence. This year’s action weeks, as well as the nationwide Diversity Day on May 19, are held under the motto: “Democracy needs diversity; diversity needs democracy.”

As part of numerous in-person and online events, Thuringia’s universities are addressing topics related to diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination during Diversity Days. The goal of these initiatives is to create spaces for exchange and discussion, to highlight barriers to access to higher education and academia, and to provide information about support and counseling services.

Those interested can find all events organized by Thuringian universities, as well as further information on registration and participation, on the platform of the Network for Diversity at Thuringian Universities: www.diversitaet-in-thueringen.de/diversity-tage

Diversity Days will kick off on Monday, May 18, at 3 p.m. with an online lecture by political scientist Tanja Berg from Minor – Projektkontor für Bildung und Forschung, focusing on the theme of the event weeks: “Democracy needs diversity; diversity needs democracy.”

"Experience Diversity – Promote Health" Event Day at TU Ilmenau

The TU Ilmenau is also participating in the 2026 Diversity Days with a diverse program. The focus is on bringing people together, raising awareness, and fostering dialogue about the different realities of life on campus.

The highlight is the "Experience Diversity – Promote Health" event day on May 27, 2026: With an information booth in the Humboldtbau, a digital Lunch & Talk, and other hands-on and informational activities, the university invites everyone to highlight diversity and engage in a conversation about healthy, discrimination-sensitive studying and working.

Other events at TU Ilmenau include:

May 19 | Movie night in cooperation with the HFC "Des preuves d’amour (15 Proofs of Love)”
May 20 | Online discussion on the topic of neurodiversity
May 27 | Workshop “Studying as a Neurodivergent Student” (for students, registration required)

The full program from TU Ilmenau and further information about the events can be found on the website of the Division of Equality, Diversity & Health.