Bonn Ethics Lab

Exploring, shaping, and making interdisciplinary ethics visible.

The Bonn Ethics Lab provides an interdisciplinary platform for students to investigate ethical questions and create digital formats such as podcasts and videos.

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Jorge de Heuvel

About the Lab

The Bonn Ethics Lab is an interdisciplinary project for students from various fields who wish to engage with ethical questions. It provides a space for exchange, collaborative learning, and the creative development of ideas—regardless of academic experience level.

A key component of the program is the introduction to fundamental ethical theories. These theoretical foundations enable participants to analyze and discuss ethical dilemmas from the perspectives of their respective disciplines.

In addition to reflecting on ethical issues, the Bonn Ethics Lab places great emphasis on science communication. Findings are prepared in digital formats such as videos or podcasts and made accessible to the public. In this way, the Bonn Ethics Lab serves as an interface between science and society, contributing to the integration of ethical topics into a broader discourse.

    Didactic Concept

    The Bonn Ethics Lab is based on the principles of research-based learning and peer learning, combined with individualized coaching. Research-based learning involves self-organized and self-directed learning, where participants independently engage with a specific question. This process is open-ended and fosters exploratory learning, with instructors taking on a supportive and moderating role. As a result, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and intrinsic motivation for acquiring knowledge are strengthened. Peer learning emphasizes learning from and with each other, regardless of academic status. Knowledge and experiences are exchanged in a collaborative environment to deepen understanding and enhance communication skills. Individualized coaching accompanies the entire learning and experience process, allowing for personal needs to be addressed while fostering individual strengths and competencies.

     

    Target Audience

    The Basic Module of the Bonn Ethics Lab is designed for students in the early semesters of a degree program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent) who have gained initial experience in academic work and wish to deepen their skills in the lab. The primary focus of this module is the development of an ethical research outcome.

    The Advanced Module is open to Master’s students as well as advanced Bachelor’s and degree program students who have either completed the Basic Module or bring their own research topic or previously written academic papers. This module emphasizes science communication, enabling participants to effectively present and share ethical insights with a broader audience.

    Course Structure

    The Bonn Ethics Lab consists of a Basic Module and an Advanced Module, each awarding 6 ECTS credits. The modules can be taken either sequentially or independently, making them suitable for different academic paths.

    Both modules are divided into lab phases, in which students learn and work together as a group, and independent study phases, during which they receive individual support and guidance.

    Ablauf Bonn Ethics Lab
    © Annemarie Bruhn

    Digital Formats

    01.

    Podcast

    In podcasts, research findings can be discussed, and interviews with experts can be conducted. Podcasts are ideal for providing deeper insights into academic work, facilitating discussions, and fostering inspiring science communication.

    02.

    Video

    Whether short reels or more in-depth videos, video formats are an effective way to visually present key findings. Through interviews, animations, or explainer videos, topics can be conveyed in an engaging and dynamic manner.

    03.

    Other

    Whether interactive web documentaries, digital exhibitions, Instagram posts, science slam or blog articles – students have the freedom to choose a format that best conveys their topic. We look forward to innovative and creative approaches!

    Registration

    Where and how can I register? More information will follow soon…

    Results

    The posts/videos below were created by students from the "The Queer God" seminar, which was led by Denise Wallat at the theological faculty of the University of Bonn.

    Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
    © University of Bonn

    Instagram Post:  Podcast Annoucement  zu Marcella Althaus-Reid

    This post connects the life and work of Marcella Althaus-Reid and summarizes the key ideas of her book The Queer God. Please be sure to click through to the end—there’s an exciting announcement waiting!

    Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
    © University of Bonn

    Video: Introduction to Marcella Althaus-Reid’s  „The queer God“

    This video summarises the basic ideas of Marcella Althaus-Reid's "The queer God" and offers a first approach to the topic. 

    Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
    © University of Bonn

    Instagram Post: Queer Theology Basics 

    This post gives an insight into the questions and tasks of queer theology. Using Marcella Althaus-Reid's 'The queer God' as an example, it shows what queer theology is and how theology can or should be queered through Althaus-Reid's lens.

    Team

    Our team is interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise from the Faculty of Protestant Theology, Law, and Computer Science.

    Avatar Bruhn

    Annemarie Bruhn

    Faculty of Protestant Theology
    Avatar Winter

    Hannah Winter

    Faculty of Law and Political Science
    Avatar Maurer

    Melina Maurer

    Faculty of Law and Political Science
    Avatar de Heuvel

    Jorge de Heuvel

    Institute for Computer Science
    Avatar Esser

    Antonia Esser

    Faculty of Protestant Theology
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