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Students from the Social and Cultural Studies department at Fulda University of Applied Sciences will embark on a field trip to Brussels from June 10 to 13 as part of Prof. Dr. Claudia Wiesner's seminar, "European Policy Fields". This exciting trip will take the students beyond the classroom, offering them the chance to explore the institutions, decision-making processes, and policy areas of the European Union firsthand. Transitioning from theory to practice, they will gain a profound understanding of EU operations and governance, immersing themselves in the dynamic world of European politics.

June 23, 2025, 14:30-21:00

The Centre of Excellence “Europe in the World” (CoE WorldEU, 2025-2027) serves as a hub for academic debate and aims to develop and disseminate new perspectives in research and politics. It is led by Prof. Dr. Claudia Wiesner and focuses on Europe´s role in a world order that changes in (geo)political, economic, ecological, and ideational respects. Ideational dimensions are key in all this: the liberal economic model, the conflict between democracy and autocracy, and, all in all, the concepts, ideas, and values that Europe stands for are often implicitly or explicitly contested. The CoE WorldEU will therefore set its main focus on the ideas, concepts, and values of both the EU and its Member States in the changing world order.   

In the Opening Event on June 23, 2025, a particular focus will be set on academic freedom and the authoritarian derive in the current US: The US government's action against the renowned Harvard University shows how much academic freedom has come under pressure. What does this mean for Europe and European values in the world? Is Europe the last bastion where scientists can still conduct research without political interference? And what can the EU and other European countries learn from the US government's actions against universities? 

The opening will begin with an introduction by Prof. Wiesner which will be followed by a discussion round with MAHRS students Frederiki Eracleous, Benedetta Favotto and Saodat Gazieva. 

In his keynote lecture, Harvard professor Dr. Mathias Risse will give an insight into the conflict between his university and the US government The subsequent panel discussion with Prof. Risse, Prof. Matthias Klemm and Christina Fischer from Fulda University of Applied Sciences (HFD) and Dr. Rainer Gruhlich, a representative of the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) will focus on academic freedom in Europe. It is followed by a reception.

Attendance is free for anyone interested! 

Join us at the Opening Event of "Europe in the World" on 23 June 2025, from 2:30pm to 9pm. 

The venue is: Hochschulzentrum Fulda Transfer, Veranstaltungssaal, Heinrich-von-Bibra-Platz 1a, 36037 Fulda. 

Registration via e-mail is mandatory. Please register with muriel.wenzel@sk.hs-fulda.de by 15th of June!