Date: 10th - 11th October 2025
Organizers: Dr. Melanie Radue, Prof. Dr. Wolfram Schaffar (Chair for Development Politics)
This interdisciplinary workshop brings together scholars from the University of Passau and other national and international universities. This workshop explores how media and political actors construct and amplify perceived threats, often targeting minority groups through selective reporting, negative framing, and the viral dynamics of online networks. The workshop focuses on the mechanisms by which these moral panics arise and spread in Germany and other regions, e.g. Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, examining the interplay between media systems, political actors, and (digital) communication networks. It brings together scholars from various disciplines to discuss comparative research findings, methodological perspectives, such as network and framing analysis and practical counter-strategies. Key questions include: How do moral panics develop in different contexts? What role do media and politics play in reinforcing or mitigating polarization? How can interdisciplinary methods help analyse these phenomena?
Date: 6th - 7th March 2026
Organizers: Prof. Dr. Lorely French (Pacific University, USA), Prof. Dr. Marina Ortrud Hertrampf (Professorship of Romance Literature and Culture with a focus on France)
This two-day colloquium brings together twelve scholars from Europe and North America across literary, visual, and performing arts disciplines. Together, they will share research and develop a theoretical framework for interpreting the works of Romani writers and artists who center dreams, hopes, and utopias in their work. An exhibition on the life and work of Austrian Romani artist and Holocaust survivor Ceija Stojka will run in the University of Passau library from February 28 to March 26, 2026. The colloquium will also feature a concert and reading by French Romani flamenco guitarist and writer Miguel Haler. Additional planned events include performances by Amenza Ketane (featuring Hojda Stojka), poetry by Simona Anozie, and a reading by Austrian writer Samuel Mago. With its interdisciplinary scope, international voices, and the blending of scholarship and artistic practice, the colloquium offers a rich and inspiring experience for all participants.
