PeopleInScience@TF

Intercultural communication

When?: 20.03.2025; 10 am to 4 pm

Where?: H12, Cauerstr. 11, 91058 Erlangen

10:00 am Welcome

10:15 am Lecture PD. Dr.-Ing. Marion Semmler, Senior Scientist at University Hospital Erlangen, ENT Department, Division of Phoniatrics 

Portrait einer Frau

„From Oscillation to Communication: the Science of Voice“

„In this talk, we will explore the interdisciplinary nature of phoniatrics, showcasing examples of both basic and applied research on voice production. We will examine diagnostics and measurement techniques, as well as discuss experimental and clinical studies that advance our understanding of the human voice. By bridging theory and practice, this talk highlights how voice research contributes to innovative approaches in both assessment and therapy.“

11:15 am Coffee break

11:45 am Lecture Kerstin Sommer, Head of FAU Welcome Center

Portrait einer Frau

“How to successfully communicate in an intercultural environment”

Being aware of intercultural differences is one of the key factors for successful communication in an international environment. Where exactly do these differences lie and how do we overcome them? And why are the Germans always so short in their answers and rude in their tone?

Kerstin Sommer is head of the FAU Welcome Center and will share her experience in successfully communicating with international PhD students and PostDoc researchers. She has also worked as a coach for intercultural communication for more than 10 years.

12:45 pm Lunch break and networking

1:15 pm Panel discussion

Moderator:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philipp Beckerle

Panel Guests:

  • PD. Dr.-Ing. Marion Semmler
    „I believe that tailoring communication to the recipient, acknowledging each individual’s expertise, education and cultural background, is essential for genuine understanding—in research and beyond.“
  • Kerstin Sommer
  • Claudia Barnickel
    „Intercultural communication has a lot in common with science: it is about curiosity, observation and asking the right questions.“
  • Dr. Lena Gmelch
    Communication is key in psychotherapeutic research and practice. Understanding and respecting cultural differences in help-seeking behavior, symptom reporting, and symptom expression is paramount to providing good therapeutic care.
  • Paulus Guter
    „Intercultural communication is both a challenge and an opportunity: it can lead to more misunderstandings, but at the same time it also offers the opportunity to broaden one’s horizons and develop new approaches to solutions. That’s why I think it’s important that we educate ourselves on this topic in order to minimize possible misunderstandings and to benefit even more from the opportunities!“

2:45 pm to 4:00 pm Get together

 

Binding registration is required by March 16, 2025 for reasons of planning security.

Therefore – if you have registered and are unable to attend – please send a short message to Hanna Stöcker.

Please note: By participating, you agree that photographs and film footage in which you may be recognizable may potentially be published in various media for purposes of event coverage and general publicity.

If you have any questions, please contact Hanna Stöcker.