4EU+ Doctoral and Postdoctoral Seminar in Prague 7-10 November 2023

As part of the 4EU+ European University Alliance, we organised a doctoral and postdoctoral seminar on "Hope and Empathy in Times of Conflict in Europe" together with Charles University in Prague, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Milan. From 7-10 November 2023, 20 doctoral students and postdocs in theology and philology discussed the importance of empathy and hope in times of crisis(es) and examined these concepts in the context of their research projects. In the Carmelite monastery Fortna right next to Prague Castle, the discussion ranged from the Black Lives Matter Movement to Simone Weil, from Erasmus and Luther to the Orthodox theologians Paul Evdokimov and Anthony Bloom, from neurological and psychological findings to philological observations. A public panel discussion at the Centre for the Care for the Soul at Charles University in Prague, in which Prof. Dr Friederike Nüssel took part, complemented the insight into the innovative research projects. The academic programme was accompanied by a meeting programme that encouraged all participants to engage in further cultural exchange. In this way, it was not only possible to discuss hope and empathy on various levels, but also to experience compassion and strengthen scientific collaboration.

Dr Arne Bachmann, Christine Böckmann, Ramy Hanna, Peter Jonescu, Kevin Kraft, Dr Elisabeth Maikranz and Prof Dr Friederike Nüssel from Heidelberg University were involved.

This is the second time that the universities have worked together as part of the 4EU+ Alliance. Last year, the first joint seminar took place from 24-27 October 2022 in Heidelberg on the topic of "Theology of Hope - Hope in Theology: Challenges in Multi-religious, Secular and Multi-Cultural Europe", bringing together doctoral students and postdocs from Prague, Copenhagen and Heidelberg. The continuation of this seminar format and the deepening of cooperation is also planned for 2024.