Invitation to the fishbowl discussion

Questions We Care About – Ideas We Shape!

In a series of talks entitled “Questions We Care About – Ideas We Shape!”, the Rectorate invites all staff and students to discuss key questions about the future of our university. Each discussion session focuses on a different theme and offers you the chance to actively contribute questions and ideas related to our Strategy 2030.

The focus is on dialogue at eye level: employees can ask questions, contribute ideas and provide impetus – regardless of function or department. The interactive fishbowl format creates the right environment in which diverse perspectives are heard. 

Early Career Researchers Support: Third fishbowl discussion

  • What: Early Career Researchers Support: Fishbowl discussion hosted by the Rectorate
    When: Tuesday, 24 June 2025, 10am until 12pm
    Where: Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), ground-floor seminar room, BIO CITY Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5

 

Programme

  • Welcome by the Rector
  • Keynote speech by Professor Roger Gläser, Vice-Rector for Talent Development: Study and Teaching
  • Fishbowl discussion with Professor Gläser and the Early Career Researchers Support working group.

    The focus will be on presenting the vision and the current concept for supporting researchers in early career phases. Development perspectives in this area will then be discussed based on key questions – in dialogue with Vice-Rector Gläser and members of the Early Researchers Career Support working group.

Would you like to submit your questions in advance? We look forward to your participation!

submit questions now

Register

Please register in advance as space is limited.

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Photography and filming

This event will result in photographs and video footage that may be used on the University’s website and/or social media. By attending, you agree to the publication of photographs and video footage that may include you. If you do not agree, please inform the photographer or a member of staff.

enlarge the image: Schriftzug Fragen, die uns bewegen – Ideen, die wir gestallten auf blauem Hintergrund
The series, entitled Questions We Care About – Ideas We Shape!, involves a number of panel discussions, each focusing on a different topic. Image: Leipzig University

Our plan

Our university faces significant challenges, but also exciting opportunities that demand that we use our knowledge and dedication to shape them in innovative ways. In a competitive scientific environment, we want to both hold our own and excel.

One thing is clear: we need to create opportunities, pool our strengths and build smart networks to realise our ambitious plans.

As part of the “Strategy 2030” process, we have developed a vision of our Alma mater Lipsiensis as a “comprehensive university of the future – committed to excellence, sustainable, connected and outward-looking, dynamic and innovative”. 

The Rectorate’s agenda defines strategic development goals for this until 2027 which, taking into account the development plans of the faculties and based on a broad understanding of excellence, aim to further develop our university as a top location for research, study, teaching, and knowledge and technology transfer.

The idea behind the Town Hall Meeting is to provide a communication platform on our Strategy 2030 where members from all levels and areas of the Leipzig University community can participate with their individual perspectives and questions.

Advantages:

  • Involvement at all levels of the University
  • Direct and transparent communication with the Rectorate
  • Mutual exchange of feedback and ideas

Conducting a debate with a large number of participants is a challenge that requires a method. The fishbowl discussion format not only complements the open and spontaneous exchange of the town hall meeting model, but also allows a wide range of perspectives to be represented through a constant change of panellists, and gives everyone present the opportunity to actively participate.

Rules

  1. The discussion takes place only in the inner circle, while the outer circle actively listens.
  2. Only one person speaks at a time.
  3. Each person from the outer circle can sit on an empty chair in the inner circle.
  4. The person who sits in an empty chair has the right to speak next.
  5. That person returns to the outer circle after speaking or when instructed to do so by the moderator.

All Leipzig University employees – with the exception of student assistants (SHKs), graduate assistants (WHKs) and trainees – may attend the event during working hours. In any case, please discuss your attendance with your superior. Employees with fixed working hours should inform their superior promptly of the start and end times of their attendance. This time will count as working time.