Rhein-Main Universitäten

The series centers on key questions such as: How can those affected be supported? What structural changes are needed, and how can they be initiated? And how can solidarity and collective action be strengthened?

The series begins with two introductory lectures—one in German and one in English—that offer an overview of the causes and manifestations of power abuse in academia, while exploring how universities can respond effectively and responsibly. Following these lectures, three target-group-specific workshops will be offered: for academics, for administrative and technical staff, and for students. These workshops will focus on the role of bystanders in situations involving abuse of power and explore how they can take meaningful and supportive action within the academic contexts.

The event series is open to all members of the Rhine-Main Universities (RMU)—students, academics, as well as administrative and technical staff—and encourages active engagement with a topic that concerns us all.

The RMU Winter Series is organized by the Gender Equality Office of TU Darmstadt, the Equality and Diversity Office at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and the Equal Opportunities Office at Goethe University Frankfurt.

Please note: All events will take place via Zoom. Participation is free of charge. Events require prior registration.

Program overview

• Lecture „Abuse of Power in Academia: Forms, Causes, Proposed Solutions“ with Prof. Dr. Daniel Leising (TU Dresden) (in German): 5 November 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM (CET) 
   
• Lecture „Academic Bullying 101: Impact on Individuals, Society, and the Progress of Science” with Morteza Mahmoudi PhD: 26 November 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM (CET) 
   
• Workshop “See Something, Do Something – Challenging Power Abuse in Academia” (in German)
   
  • for Academics: 12 December 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM (CET)
  • for Administrative and Technical Staff: 21 January 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (CET)
  • for Students: 28 January 2026, 4:00–6:00 PM (CET)