Lecture Series “Science Against Fascism”

Under the title“Science Against Fascism”, the University of Bayreuth is hosting a public lecture series in German during the winter semester. Across seven themed evenings, 21 researchers from a range of disciplines will explore historical and contemporary manifestations of fascism, right-wing extremism and threats to democracy. The series is aimed at the wider public as well as students and staff of the university.

The lecture series is intended as a contribution to ongoing societal debates on democracy, scientific responsibility and the challenge of dealing with authoritarian ideologies. It focuses not only on analysing historical developments but also on examining current challenges facing democratic societies. “ This lecture series aims to demonstrate how scholarship can help us critically examine authoritarian and dehumanizing ideologies, while also highlighting how these same ideologies have threatened academic freedom in the past—and are once again doing so today,,” says one of the students involved in organising the series.

PD Dr Elena Köstner, a member of staff at the Equal Opportunities Service Centre of the University of Bayreuth and one of the speakers in the series, also emphasises the broader significance of the topic: “Right-wing attacks on equality and inclusion go far beyond individual programmes or service units. They threaten the foundations of a free, pluralistic and democratic university.” The topics covered range from questions surrounding the neutrality of science and local NSDAP agitation in Upper Franconia between 1930 and 1932, to climate change denial, right-wing mobilisation in digital spaces, and the relationship between artificial intelligence and right-wing extremism. The programme addresses both historical perspectives and contemporary social debates. Speakers include Prof. Dr Natasha A. Kelly, Prof. Dr Anno Mungen, Prof. Dr Kristin Skottki and Prof. Dr Carsten Bäcker.

The University of Bayreuth expressly supports the initiative. Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Stefan Leible, President of the University of Bayreuth, states: “Democracy cannot be taken for granted. It depends on people who think critically, can distinguish facts from ideology, and are able to engage with differing perspectives. This is precisely where science and scholarship make an essential contribution. The University of Bayreuth supports this lecture series because it brings academic knowledge into public debate and thereby strengthens democratic resilience.”

The first lecture begins on Oct 20 at 6:15 p.m. in the conference room of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence Research Centre (FZA) on the University of Bayreuth campus. Following three presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in a discussion with the speakers. Afterwards, refreshments will be provided to encourage further exchange and networking.

In addition, further events organised by individual chairs and departments will be held under the label“Science Against Fascism”, including a lecture by media scholar and extremism researcher Matthias Heider on 18 November. All events are free of charge. No prior knowledge is required, and the organisers warmly invite participants to join the discussion.

The full programme of the lecture series and further information can be found at:

https://kuwi.uni-bayreuth.de/fachschaft-kuwi/de/wgf2026.