Movement – that is, a change in position or state – shapes the way we think, feel and act, and is also reflected in social and political changes. From 28 September to 1 October, the Autumn Academy at Ulm University is hosting a dialogue on health, learning, development and the active shaping of living environments under the title ‘People in Motion’. Registration for this continuing education week, open to all, is now open!
The Centre for General Continuing Academic Education (Zentrum für Allgemeine Wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung - ZAWiW) at the University of Ulm is offering a comprehensive exploration of the theme ‘People in Motion’ during the Academy week. The range of lectures spans from mobility and the mobility transition to physical activity as the key to health and well-being into old age. The working groups and Wednesday sessions will also explore various facets of physical activity and many other topics.
The opening address will be given on Monday morning (28 September, 9.30 am, H 4/5) by the University President, Professor Michael Weber; Heiner Scheffold, District Administrator of the Alb-Donau district, will also deliver a welcome address. The managing director of ZAWiW, Dr Markus Marquardt, will present the programme for the four-day event.
In the opening lecture (lectures always at 10.00 am, H 4/5), Dr Silke Zimmer-Merkle from theKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will examine the history of mobility under the title ‘Well-trodden paths?’, linking movement to societal expectations, technical possibilities and political decisions. On Tuesday, Professor Claudia Hille from Karlsruhe UniversityofAppliedSciences will examine the question of how a fair mobility transition can be achieved and how mobility and physical activity shape our society. On Wednesday, Dr Johannes Kirsten, Head of the Department of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine at Ulm University Hospital, will demonstrate why physical activity is a key factor in health and performance. On Thursday morning, Professor Fabian Just from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ulm will present innovative developments in prosthetics and rehabilitation technology that open up new prospects for mobility and participation for people with disabilities. To conclude the series (Thursday, 1 October, 3.00 pm, H 4/5), Professor Michael Denkinger, Head of the Ulm Institute for Geriatric Research and Medical Director of the AGAPLESION BETHESDA CLINIC ULM (geriatric hospital), will explain how modern fall prevention can contribute to an active and self-determined life in old age.
In addition, a Knowledge Market will be held on Thursday from 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm in the Forum, offering visitors the chance to learn about research projects on the topic of ‘movement’ and to chat with scientists over a cup of coffee. Researchers from various disciplines will present projects in sports medicine, exoskeletons, a humanoid robot, and the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in medical studies.
On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, there will once again be the opportunity to engage in-depth with various topics in the working groups. The topics range from ‘Plants in Motion’ and ‘The Biography of a Musical Piece’ to AI development. The diverse Events on Wednesday also offer plenty of inspiration and opportunities to meet people both on and off campus. During the lunch break, alongside exercise and relaxation activities, there will be various themed tours – from the Botanical Garden and the Anatomical Teaching Collection to a visit to the experimental research facility using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
Event overview:
Autumn Academy 2026 – Humans in Motion
Monday 28 September to Thursday 1 October
Ulm University
Opening: Monday, 9.30 am, H 4/5
Registration for the Academy week is now open online, by telephone or in writing. Individual programme items can also be booked on the spot at short notice. The lectures can also be followed online. The ZAWiW-Secretariat will be happy to answer any questions regarding registration on 0731/50-26601. Participation in the full programme costs 90 euros; members of the ZAWiW Friends’ Association pay 80 euros. Students can register free of charge!
Registerhere.
The programme booklet is available online: https://akademie.zawiw.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HA2026_MIT-ANMELDEFORMULAR.pdf
Further information: info(at)zawiw.de
Text and media contact: Daniela Stang