This year’s Faculty Research Day focused on the theme of “Equality and Inequality”, a topic of great relevance in both society and academia, bringing together a wide range of perspectives.
In their presentations, Professor Dr. Teodora Boneva and Professor Dr. Stefan Greiner provided insights into their research. They offered thought-provoking perspectives on questions of equality and inequality from their respective academic disciplines.
Professor Dr. Boneva’s presentation, “Are Men’s Preferences for Couple Equity Misperceived? Evidence from Six Countries,” was based on an international study involving 24,000 respondents across six countries. The study shows that a majority of men support an equal division of household work and responsibilities within partnerships. However, many people systematically underestimate this level of support. The findings suggest that correcting such misperceptions not only changes attitudes but also increases support for greater equality within relationships.
Professor Dr. Greiner’s presentation, “Commitment to Equality and (Collective) Private Autonomy,” examined a decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court issued on 11 December 2024 and its implications for the application of fundamental rights to private actors. The presentation focused on the legal and systematic foundations of the decision, as well as the conditions under which private organisations are bound by the principle of equality and the practical consequences arising from this.
Both presentations sparked lively discussions and highlighted the value of interdisciplinary exchange within our faculty.
At the networking reception that followed in the Botanical Garden, the Dean and Vice Dean introduced new colleagues and honoured this year’s award recipients. Among the awards presented annually are the Research Group Leader Awards and the Departmental Teaching Awards. Since last year, the Dr Susanne Schiemichen Memorial Award for Student Engagement has also been presented in memory of the late faculty manager.
The unique setting of the event encouraged participants from across the faculty to come together in a variety of constellations. It is precisely this combination of academic exchange and personal conversation that makes the Faculty Research Day such a special occasion for us every year.
We would like to thank all contributors and guests for an inspiring afternoon and a successful evening together.
