Strengthening democracy through participation - kick-off in Kassel

Democracy becomes strong through participation. That is why a strong democracy needs the commitment of its citizens. But what about the opportunities for participation here in Germany? What can we do to motivate citizens to help shape political challenges and get them involved? Democracy research offers answers to these questions. It shows ways in which the involvement of different people and diverse perspectives can succeed.

Group picture — From left to right: University President Prof. Dr. Ute Clement, Minister Timon Gremmels, Prof. Dr. Felix Welti, Chancellor Dr. Oliver Fromm.

A new series of talks organized by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) brings science and politics together with citizens to highlight perspectives for a vibrant, resilient democracy and to make the diverse landscape of democracy research in Hesse tangible. The series started on June 10, 2025 with the kick-off event "Resilient democracy through participation - what perspectives does science offer" in the Gießhaus at the University of Kassel.

Science Minister Timon Gremmels, University President Prof. Dr. Ute Clement and Prof. Dr. Felix Welti, Professor of Social and Health Law, Rehabilitation and Disability Law at the University of Kassel, spoke with other experts and citizens about ways to achieve a resilient and inclusive democracy.

Minister Timon Gremmels explained: "We need dialog between science, politics and society. Participation and diversity are key aspects when it comes to strengthening democracy. How can we promote the participation of people in political processes? This is an important question for me as a politician, and one on which I would like to enter into an exchange with civil society and research so that we can talk to each other and not just about each other. This dialog also promotes the transfer of research perspectives into society. We must stand up to historical revisionists, we must confront anti-Semites and we must do so with the means of science."

University President Prof. Dr. Ute Clement underlines the responsibility of universities: "Democracy needs science. Science needs democracy. Academic freedom offers politics reliable facts, new perspectives and a sounding board. The University of Kassel sees it as its task to actively live and develop democracy in research, teaching and everyday life."

Prof. Dr. Felix Welti, who moderated the event, emphasized: "A resilient democracy can only succeed if as many people as possible are involved on an equal and inclusive basis. Science can and must contribute to researching and communicating the prerequisites for participation, diversity and sustainability of democratic institutions."

During the event, projects were presented that deal with the relationship between democracy, gender studies, inclusion, diversity and sustainability. The promotion of democracy was examined from various social perspectives, including schools, businesses, sport, rural areas and the relationship between people and nature.

The series was initiated by the HMWK as part of the "Strengthening Democracy Research Hesse" program. The aim of the programme is to make democracy more resilient against extremism and polarization, to expand social cohesion and to strengthen democracy in this way.