Beyond Now: A University That Actively Engages With Society
The ivory tower, once a symbol of academic thought and research, is a thing of the past. For years, progressive universities have opened their doors to a broader public through events such as open houses and science nights. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar also sees itself as more than just an educational and research institution and is an active participant in society. The University influences public discourse and takes responsibility that extends beyond campus. Visibility and connections to other spheres are essential to this: Research and teaching should not occur in isolation but instead should engage in productive dialogue with society.
The annual theme: Beyond Now – Environments
The University introduced the annual themes in 2025 to increase its visibility and communicate its profile more clearly to the community. With »Beyond Now — Environments«, key themes were connected to the goal of taking the past, present, and future into consideration while still looking forward and contributing to current major social issues. The annual theme encouraged reflection on diverse relationships between living beings and their material and immaterial environments. At the same time, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar demonstrated how it takes responsibility and, through its academic and artistic work and the dialogue surrounding it, has an even greater impact on the broader community.
Adhering to the Bauhaus philosophy: Connecting environments
»Beyond Now — Environments« focussed on projects and individuals who engage with diverse and intentionally plural »environments« through research, art, or teaching. Whether the environment is biological, social, technical, or cultural – the focus remained on the relationships between lifeforms and the spaces between them. Projects that generated social value – whether through new insights, artistic impetus, or public formats – were supported. They were interdisciplinary and inspired collaboration with external partners. The transcended boundaries and opened up new perspectives.
»Questions on the Future of Society« Event Series
A major element of the annual theme was the »Future of Society« event series, which addressed core themes of social transformation, including ecology, history, politics, economy, technology, and aesthetics. The series brought renowned experts from Germany and abroad together with the University and Weimar communities. This allowed for feedback on the role of universities and reflecting on their effectiveness in processes of social change.
Bauhaus.Module – Experiencing Interdisciplinarity
The »Bauhaus.Modules« are a continuation of the tradition of interdisciplinarity in Weimar. Students from all degree programmes were able to broaden their perspectives, explore new ways of thinking, and network with students from other fields in interdisciplinary courses. Interdisciplinary work is part of the University’s history. Over a century ago, students and instructors at the State Bauhaus in Weimar combined their ways of thinking and working to create something new together.
The annual theme of »Beyond Now – Environments« was meant to encourage the University community and its external partners to reflect on the future, or »beyond now«, of our living environments. Contributing to democratic culture through research and teaching in collaboration with the community. The University plans to continue this new tradition of annual themes.
The annual theme website:
https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/university/profile/beyond-now/