Symposiums, Exhibitions, and Events at StuROPx
Some of the projects funded by StuROPx presented their research findings at their own exhibitions, symposia, and other events, opening them up for discussion. A selection of these events is compiled below.
Visitors viewing a video installation at the exhibition
Image Credit: Chua/Frehiwot/Konca/Nural
Exhibition “Crossings”, July 18 – 20, 2025, NM1 – Refuge Worldwide
Crossings brought together perspectives from Berlin’s diasporic communities and explored how belonging is formed, negotiated, and transformed. The exhibition emerged from two X-Tutorials at Humboldt University of Berlin: Forms of Belonging, focusing on Afro-Asian diasporas in Berlin, and Understanding the Concept of Belonging Through Cinema, with a transnational focus on Türkiye.
Through collaborative and creative formats—including film, photography, zines, poetry, and mapping—lived experiences and diasporic knowledge were placed at the center. Crossings opened a space for dialogue and invited visitors to rethink belonging beyond national and academic boundaries. The exhibition booklet contains more detailed information.
Further information on the X-Tutorials:
Forms of Belonging, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Understanding the Concept of Belonging Through Cinema, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Visitors discover how brain regions are interconnected through an interactive structural connectivity installation
Image Credit: Michael Migacev
Exhibition “The Diverse Brain,” September 1 – 6, 2025, East Atrium of Humboldt University in Berlin
What does your own brain look like? In the X-Tutorial The Diverse Brain at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Freie Universität Berlin, students created detailed 3D models based on MRI scans of their own brains, which were then printed. The student research team led by project manager Michael Migacev used these models to develop three-dimensional exhibition objects that illustrate complex neuroscientific content and critically examine popular scientific myths about the brain. For example, they dispelled the widespread assumption that creativity is associated with a dominant “right brain” and a talent for mathematics with a dominant “left brain.” The project website provides further information.
Further information on the X-Tutorial:
The Diverse Brain. Investigating anatomical and functional variations in the human brain, Freie Universität Berlin
Poster announcing the exhibition at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Image Credit: Placido/Schirmer
Poster exhibition “How inclusive is the Humboldt-Universität?”, October 1 – 20, 2025, foyer main building and seminar building on Hegelplatz, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
The poster exhibition presented selected research results from interviews conducted and evaluated as part of the X-Tutorial “How inclusive is the HU – A qualitative-reconstructive analysis from an intersectional perspective.” With this exhibition, the student research team gave a voice to students who experience barriers in everyday university life. It became clear where students at HU feel unseen and unsupported, and where they create their own spaces and networks. The excerpts from interviews presented told of experiences, fears, and desires that shape their everyday university life. Visitors were invited to contribute their own thoughts and perspectives on the exhibition. The posters presented are still available online.
Further information on the X-Tutorial:
Wie inklusiv ist die HU?, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
X-Student Research Group students engaging visitors at their booth during LNDW 2025
Image Credit: Henrike Krüger-Haker
Lange Nacht der Wissenschaft, information stand, game: “Life under the microscope: bacteria and their secrets,” June 28, 2025, Freie Universität Berlin
The X-Student Research Group “Understanding Superbugs,” led by Henrike Krüger-Haker, PhD, presented an interactive information stand as part of the Long Night of Science 2025. Young visitors in particular gained vivid insights into microbiological issues. The focus was on the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, which can cause disease in animals and humans. Using microscopy, experiments, and interactive learning formats, the students explained why antibiotics are indispensable in veterinary medicine, but at the same time are losing their effectiveness due to increasing resistance.
Further information on the X-Student Research Group:
Understanding Superbugs, Genetik und Ko-Selektion von Makrolidresistenz bei Pasteurella multocida aus Atemwegsinfektionen von Rindern, Freie Universität Berlin
Members of the X-Student Research Group performing their work
Image Credit: Layla Zami
Artistic Performance “Sichtbar bleiben”, July 16, 2024, Uferstudios Berlin
Students of the X-Student Research Group „Listening for Black Feminist Interventions“, led by Dr. Layla Zami – connected tot he SFB Intervening Arts – presented the results of their research project to the public through performative and artistic formats. The event took place as part of the program series “SICHTBAR BLEIBEN! Black Women Archives Matter”, curated by artist Oxana Chi.
The artistic and performative works were based on archival research on Audre Lorde and May Ayim. In the performance, the research group combined archival recordings, their own voices, and music into a sensorial exploration of Black feminist interventions.
The final performance demonstrated how academic research can be expanded through artistic practice and how performance can function as a form of knowledge production and intervention.
Further information on the X-Student Research Group:
Listening for Black Feminist Interventions, Freie Universität Berlin