When does the event take place?

The conference takes place from September 30 to October 2, 2026. The event day on October 2 starts at 9 AM and is expected to end around 2 PM.

Where does Uncertain Times take place?

The venue is the University of Bielefeld at Universitätsstraße 25 in 33615 Bielefeld.

What topics are the focus?

The focus is on history didactics, historical learning, democratic education, societal uncertainty, controversy, and democratic resilience.

What program items are planned for October 2, 2026?

On the last day, meetings of the working groups, the Forum for History Didactics, and a closing session are planned.

Who organizes the conference?

The organizer is the Conference for History Didactics together with the profile area of Historical Cultures of the University of Bielefeld.

History, Democracy and Uncertainty: This conference opens new perspectives in Bielefeld

Name: Uncertain Times - History Didactics in Democracy
Start: 2026-10-02T09:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-02T14:00:00+02:00
Location: Universität Bielefeld

Rethinking history didactics in uncertain times

How can historical learning strengthen democratic orientation when societal certainties are shaken? The biennial conference of the Conference for History Didactics will address the current challenges of historical and political education from September 30 to October 2, 2026, at the University of Bielefeld.

Democracy, history, and societal uncertainty

Under the title Uncertain Times. History Didactics in Democracy, the conference brings together researchers, teachers, educators from memorial sites, and other interested parties for discussion. The focus is on questions of historical interpretations, democratic resilience, and dealing with controversy in a polarized society.

Research meets educational practice

The program combines keynotes, sections, panel discussions, poster presentations, and the Forum for History Didactics. Topics include history teaching and memorial site work under pressure, historical-political education in the police, German-German disciplinary history, as well as dealing with red lines, plurality, and controversial interpretations.

Conference finale with Forum for History Didactics

On Friday, October 2, 2026, the program begins with meetings of working groups. The Forum for History Didactics subsequently provides space for current research projects, presentations, and discussions. The closing session rounds off the scientific event experience in the early afternoon.

Academic exchange in a special atmosphere

The University of Bielefeld provides the framework for intensive conversations, professional networking, and new perspectives on historical learning. The audience's atmosphere is created through direct exchange: between research and teaching, remembrance culture and democratic education, theory and concrete event planning.

Who is the conference suitable for?

The event is especially aimed at scholars, teachers, students, researchers, actors in memorial site work, and anyone interested in history communication, didactics, and public history. The event management of the conference combines academic depth with numerous opportunities for discussion and networking.

Conclusion: Visitors can expect a concentrated scientific conference with current debates, diverse contributions, and space for joint reflection on history in democracy. Those who understand historical education as an essential component of democratic orientation will experience a relevant and stimulating event in Bielefeld.