“International Days 2024 will present tremendous opportunities for dialogue on the global challenges facing us, and for intensifying international partnerships”, says Professor Birgit Ulrike Münch, Vice Rector for International Affairs at the University of Bonn. “For us as a university, it is especially important that we offer our students and researchers platforms like these that enable them to expand their horizons beyond the boundaries of their own discipline and engage in international dialogue.”
Globally prominent Professor Homi K. Bhabha of Harvard will be holding a keynote speech on Wednesday, October 16th in the University of Bonn Grand Hall on “Cultural Diversity and Global Identity”. Bhabha is a leading scholar of post-colonial theory, known for his pioneering work on questions of culture and hybridity. The lecture will be followed by an open discussion.
Lectures and workshops on the global challenges of our time
Professor Dorothea Kleine of the University of Sheffield will also be holding a lecture on October 16 on equitable partnerships and ways of engaging in meaningful dialogue in the framework of North-South cooperation. As Professor of Human Geography, sustainable human development and global justice are her research focuses, concentrating on digital technologies enabling the realization of solutions.
High-caliber discussions and presentation of the state awards and the DAAD Prize
Another key event will be a workshop titled “Third Space Turns 30: Reflections on The Location of Culture” with Homi K. Bhabha, to be held Thursday, October 17. Professor Bhabha will be talking with University of Bonn researchers about the influence of his book, published 30 years ago, which brought about a paradigm shift in the Humanities. A book that retains its full relevance and impact to this very day, introducing concepts like “The Location of Culture”, which are recognized as reality today.
Also on October 17, several prominent early-career researchers will furthermore become the recipient of state prizes funded by the French, Spanish, UK and US governments. This in parallel with the awarding of the DAAD Prize of the German Academic Exchange Service for distinguished work on issues of societal relevance and/or relevance to university life. At this year’s ceremony will additionally be bestowed the “Ordre des Palmes académiques françaises” on Professor emeritus Dr. Paul Geyer (Romance Studies), one of the most distinguished forms of recognition granted by the French government for valuable service in the field of higher education.
Bonn University Ambassadors
The meeting of Bonn University Ambassadors—individuals who were themselves researchers at the University of Bonn for a considerable length of time who now serve as foreign ambassadors for their home institution—is again an important part of this year’s International Days. The researchers from all over the world represent their German alma mater back in their own respective home countries and meet annually to keep their ties to Bonn vibrantly alive, network with other members at the University and spearhead new teaching and research initiatives, thereby continually developing program content. The Ambassadors will be attending International Days events like the state awards ceremony, looking forward particularly to making new contacts with researchers afterward.
Ceremonial opening of the academic year
International Days will conclude with the ceremonial opening of academic year 2024/25 on Friday, October 18, to be held in the main auditorium in the University Main Building. The tradition-steeped opening ceremony is a blend of looking back, looking at current developments at the University and looking to the future for what’s to come in the academic year ahead.
“In today’s times of global crisis, it is of the utmost relevance to be engaging in dialogue with Professor Homi Bhabha, one of the leading scholars of post-colonial theory, as his work illuminates the challenges we are presently facing around the world today. We look forward to actively engaging with the discourse at International Days,” commented Vice Rector Professor Birgit Ulrike Münch, emphasizing: “We wish to invite all University staff, students and researchers to take part in this dialogue, where we will be addressing current topics on the basis of Homi Bhabha’s “The Location of Culture”, published 30 years ago, which now is considered a classic textbook. A variety of perspectives will be taken, including those of dependency studies, sustainable development and planetary health, reconciliation research, intercultural theology and literature studies.”
Further information and registration
The full program for the University of Bonn International Days and complete information on registering is available online at: www.uni-bonn.de/en/international-days-2024.
Press contact:
Vice Rectorate for International Affairs
Email: prorektorat.internationales@uni-bonn.de