The theme »BEYOND NOW« connects the past, present, and future in order to develop new perspectives from current issues. The »Environment ⸺ Technology ⸺ Human« slogan has been borrowed from the university’s structure and development plan (»STEP«) and is based on the ideas of the historic Bauhaus. For the next three years, the annual themes will serve to communicate a »common thread« between the activities of the academic year and purposefully combine various formats, from publications and conferences, to exhibitions, courses, and university-wide events.

The annual themes are organised by Dr. Ulrike Kuch, Vice President for Social Transformation. She explains: »The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is home to outstanding scientists, artists, and designers. The annual themes are intended to showcase the innovative ideas this community is continuously developing and the value of the collaborative work they are undertaking to do so. We are highlighting the ›impact on society‹ and celebrating the commitment of our colleagues with these annual themes. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar wants to make it clear that we are working on current and future social challenges with the aim of making the world a better place.«

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL NETWORKING: THE GOAL
The goal of the thematic framework is to network with partners from the sciences, business, culture, politics, and civil society. The aim is to encourage and facilitate this. As a partner in society, especially in Weimar and Thuringia, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is responsible for representing democratic values as the foundation of our community. To do so, the university relies on the knowledge and expertise gained from academia, art, and science-supported fields. The annual themes are also intended to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue within the university.

The first 2025 sub-theme, »Beyond Now — Environment«, will focus on the relationships between living beings and their material and immaterial environments. Scientific, artistic, and design projects that address these constellations will be prioritised. Alongside academic excellence, social significance and democratic values will take centre stage.

BEYOND NOW – FUNDING SUPPORT
In order to showcase relevant projects, the Presidential Board has established the »BEYOND NOW Fund«, which is funding a total of nine innovative projects from the faculties, professorial staff, and student projects. The funded projects aim to present new perspectives on pressing social challenges and engage with a wide audience.

All nine projects can be found here:
www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/profil/beyond-now-neu/projekte/

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is also continuing its 2024 commitment to the values outlined in the Basic Law through its »Demokratie stärken« (strengthening democracy) fund: www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/profil/demokratie-staerken/

BEYOND NOW – QUESTIONS ON THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY
An important aspect of the 2025 annual theme is the »Beyond Now – Questions on the Future of Society« event series. The programme includes examining current and future social developments in discussion sessions and combines regional, national, and international perspectives. Guests will address key issues relating to social transformation processes, as well as the role the university plays in this context. Topics such as democracy, artificial intelligence, history, the planet Earth, culture, and Europe will be highlighted. The events take place Thursday evenings from 5 to 6:30 pm in the Oberlichtsaal in the Main Building or in the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s Maurice-Halbwachs-Auditorium. The events will be moderated by Carsten Tesch, MDR.

Scheduled Events:
10.04 What is Social Transformation?
24.04. The Future of Democracy 
08.05. The Future of Artificial Intelligence
15.05 The Future of History 
05.06. The Future of the Planet
19.06. The Future of Culture 
03.07. The Future of Europe

BEYOND NOW – BAUHAUS.MODULES – Interdisciplinary Teaching Projects
The annual themes also highlight courses with a thematic focus.
 Students from all degree programmes can deepen their expertise and gain new perspectives through projects with an environmental focus in interdisciplinary courses.

All supported Bauhaus.Modules can be found here:
www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/profil/beyond-now-neu/bauhausmodule/

The events taking place in the context of the annual theme will be documented and accessible beyond the thematic year. Collaborations with external partners that prove to be particularly sustainable may continue in subsequent years.

BEYOND NOW – OPENING EVENT
The opening event will be held on 3 April 2025 at 3 pm:

»BEYOND NOW ⸺ Environment«
Opening Event of the 2025 Annual Theme
Thursday, 3 April 2025, 3 pm
Wind Tunnel Lab, Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Marienstraße 7, 99423 Weimar

Media representatives and interested individuals are warmly invited to attend the event.