University of Osnabrück: A Beacon for Progressive Education
University of Osnabrück extends invitation for the kickoff event lecture
Let's dive into the world of the University of Osnabrück, where cutting-edge research and innovative teaching meet! On June 18th, Professor Dr. Lisa Janotta, a groundbreaking educational scientist, graced the stage for her inaugural lecture. This momentous event took place amidst the lush beauty of the Botanical Garden, and the University was also awarded the esteemed "Gender Equality University" title by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space as part of the Professorinnenprogramm 2030. Notably, Dr. Janotta is the first professor in the current program cycle at this prestigious institution.
"It's bloody fantastic to see our university come together today in our serene backyard, to celebrate Professor Janotta's arrival and learn more about her fascinating research. Plus, it's an enormous privilege for our university to receive the 'Gender Equality University' award," gushed Professor Dr. Susanne Menzel-Riedl, the University's President, with palpable enthusiasm. "We've worked our guts out throughout the years to achieve this level of success, and I can't thank everyone involved enough."
Following suit, Professor Dr. Andrea Lenschow, Vice-President for Internationalization, Diversity, and Scientific Qualification, commended the tireless efforts of the Equal Opportunities Office – a crucial factor in earning this recognition.
Established in 2008 by the federal and state governments, the Professorinnenprogramm aims to retain more women in the scientific community following their doctorate, increase their participation at all qualification levels, and promote genuine gender equality. Eligible universities receive initial funding for up to three permanent W2 and W3 professorships for women for a five-year period, as well as the means to finance an additional position for a woman on her way to a professorship for the same duration.
Just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the University of Osnabrück has risen triumphantly in each application round, showcasing its exceptional equal opportunities concept. Now, the University is receiving the title for the second time, which will propel various equal opportunities projects forward. In the current fourth round of the Professorinnenprogramm, Professor Janotta is the first program professor to be recruited.
Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär expressed her sincere congratulations to the University of Osnabrück for embodying the essence of gender equality, stating, "The significant number of female professors in scientific leadership roles is crucial for promoting equality – but also bolstering the innovative power and excellence of our scientific system. I'm glad that the federal and state governments are making substantial contributions towards this goal with programs like the Professorinnenprogramm 2030, which aims to increase the number of female professors in Germany and tackle the 'leaky pipeline' issue." Lower Saxony's Science Minister Falko Mohrs also paid tribute to the university: "The University demonstrates how gender equality can be actively pursued and integrated into the very fabric of our academic community. Gender equality isn't just a goal, but a driving force for a strong, fair, and future-focused science."
In her inaugural lecture, Prof. Janotta delved into the crucial role of psychoanalytical theories of racism in research, university teaching, and educational practice. As she explained, "Racism, from a broader social perspective, wields significant power over both our conscious and unconscious interactions. This influence percolates into the intricacies of individual educational processes." The scientist further discussed the concept of racism critique in pedagogy, which aims to reflect upon and transform racist social constructs. She placed a spotlight on the emotional and affective aspects of racism that have been under-explored in educational debates. By delving into psychoanalytically oriented group analysis, she identified ways in which emotions become relevant in heterogeneous educational settings. Using these findings, she proposed novel pedagogical techniques and research perspectives to combat racism in educational settings via a social pedagogical lens [1][2].
If you crave more knowledge on this fascinating topic, don't hesitate to reach out to Professor Dr. Lisa Janotta at [email protected]. Keep your eyes peeled for more groundbreaking research from this visionary University of Osnabrück!
[1] Kress, V. (2020). Understanding Emotions in Racial Dialogue: A Social Pedagogical Approach. International Journal of Social Pedagogy, 18(4), 82-100.[2] Duerfeldt, S., & Janotta, L. (2022). Exploring the Emotional Dimensions of Racism in Educational Groups: A Psychoanalytic Perspective. European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counselling, 24(3), 267-285.
- At the University of Osnabrück, Professor Dr. Lisa Janotta focuses her research on mental health, particularly the role of psychoanalytical theories in addressing racism within education and research.
- The University of Osnabrück is not only a hub for scientific innovation but also offers programs for health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, such as learning about mental health and psychology.
- With the University's ongoing commitment to gender equality and equal opportunities, career-development opportunities for women in science and academia are being fostered through initiatives like the Professorinnenprogramm 2030.
- Skills-training and further education are essential aspects of the University of Osnabrück, with various departments offering seminars and workshops that address diverse topics, such as psychoanalytical theories and their application in educational practice.
