Workshop Series “Self-Reflection, Self-Presentation, and Mental Health”
Registration for the workshop series is open now: https://tally.so/r/vGp0oA
SEPTEMBER
Workshop 1: Mental Health, Resilience and Deep Relaxation Techniques
Many vulnerable and displaced researches experience enormous psychological strain while striving to establish themselves in the German academic system. To address this challenge and to help raise awareness for mental health, the first workshop will offer practical and applicable tips to build and strengthen resilience. In addition, participants will learn about practical tools that can help to self-regulate the nervous system, such as breathing exercises, deep relaxation techniques and yoga.
Key dates:
- Place: International House (Kringsweg 6, Cologne)
- Time: Friday, September 4 2026, 4.30-7.30 pm
- Trainer: Anne Petersen, Judith Nebe
- Language: English
Registration open until August 7 via this link: https://tally.so/r/vGp0oA
Anne Petersen
Anne Petersen studied psychology in Münster and Istanbul and completed her postgraduate training as a psychological psychotherapist (CBT) in Bonn, Bern, and Canterbury (UK). She has over 10 years of professional experience in adult therapy (inpatient and outpatient settings), trauma therapy, and working with children, adolescents, and families. Currently she holds a position covered by statutory health insurance and maintains an independent private practice.
Judith Nebe
Judith Nebe is a certified yoga teacher with additional training in "Yoga and Trauma", "Yoga Therapy" and "Deep Relaxation Techniques". She has many years of teaching experience and has assisted in several yoga teacher trainings. Her academic background in Social Work (B.A., focusing on psychosocial counseling) and Intercultural Communication and Education (M.A.), together with her previous professional experience supporting at-risk scholars at the University of Cologne, has shaped her mindful and inclusive approach, with a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming, accessible, and supportive space for participants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of prior practice.
SEPTEMBER
Workshop 2: Your Power Within – Self-Reflection, Resilience & Mental Health
From an intersectional perspective, vulnerable researchers are often affected by multiple forms of discrimination. The workshop on “Female Empowerment,” will provide researchers who identify as women with a safe space where they can discuss multiple forms of discrimination and how to address them, as well as reflect on their own position within society.
Key dates:
- Place: International House (Kringsweg 6, Cologne)
- Time: Tuesday, September 29 2026, 12.00 - 6.00 pm
- Trainer: Anna Feldbein
- Language: English
Registration open until August 7 via this link: https://tally.so/r/vGp0oA
Anna Feldbein
Anna Feldbein (she/no pronouns) is the Coordinator of the Empowerment Department at OFEK e.V. and a political educator specializing in critical approaches to discrimination, with a focus on antisemitism, racism, and adultism. Anna also works as a trainer in queer-feminist self-defense and empowerment. With an activist and artistic practice centered on empowerment, resistance, and transformation, Anna is particularly interested in creating spaces that make visible the effects of social power structures on marginalized lives and open possibilities for collective reflection, agency, and change.
[This content is not available in "Englisch" yet] NOVEMBER
Workshop 3: GET HIRED. STAY HIRED. Jobs & Working in Germany — What Nobody Tells You
The workshop is aimed at vulnerable researchers who are transitioning into the job market—a phase often marked by uncertainty, structural barriers, and discrimination. The goal of the workshop is to support participants in their professional (re)integration and to strengthen their individual skills for the German job market. Through practical job application training—including the development of application strategies and mock interviews—participants are prepared to shape their career prospects within and outside of academia in a self-determined manner. Particular emphasis is placed on reflecting on experiences of discrimination and intersectional disadvantages in the application process.
Key dates:
- Place: International House (Kringsweg 6, Cologne)
- Time: Friday, November 27 2026, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Trainer: Dr. Laleh Gomari-Luksch
- Language: English
Registration open until August 7 via this link: https://tally.so/r/vGp0oA
Dr. Laleh Gomari-Luksch
Dr. Laleh Gomari-Luksch arrived in Germany in 2008 as an international student with a suitcase, a Master's program ahead of her, and plenty of questions about how things worked here. Now a Senior Project Manager at a software company and culture integration specialist with years of experience delivering workshops at German universities and companies, she brings both academic depth and real professional credibility to every session. If you've ever felt confused by German professional norms or unsure how to position yourself in the job market, she has answers for you.
DECEMBER
Workshop 4: Presentation Skills for Academics: Engaging the Listener in Your Talk
While a majority of vulnerable researchers aim to continue their academic work after their grants expire, experiences show that this transition is not easy. Due to more challenging conditions, this group often faces fewer opportunities in the already highly competitive academic system than regular (international) researchers in Germany. This workshop is therefore designed to strengthen the professional and confident demeanor of vulnerable researchers in the academic environment, aiming to promote equal opportunity and diversity within the academic system. As part of the event, researchers can also use the UzK’s one-button recording studio to record and practice their academic presentations.
Key dates:
- Place: International House (Kringsweg 6, Cologne)
- Time: Thursday, December 3 2026, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Trainer: Julie Stearns
- Language: English
Registration open until August 7 via this link: https://tally.so/r/vGp0oA
Julie Stearns
Julie Stearns is a professional communication trainer and coach (DGfC), as well as a theater director and actress, and university lecturer. She has lectured at the University of Duisburg-Essen and Folkwang University of Arts and has been working for the Impulsplus team of qualified and excellent trainers since 2011. She has over 25 years of experience as a freelance director and actress in schools, universities, theaters, and organizations in America and Germany. As a trainer and coach, Julie focuses on providing practical tools for academics and professionals in order to improve their overall speaking and self-presentation skills, as well as improving fluency, accuracy, and style of communication. Julie also offers expertise in resilience training.