Unconscious bias in appointment committees
A workshop offered by the Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Unconscious bias influences our perception and decision-making. As a result, our workflows, internal processes and decisions can be susceptible to biased thinking and behaviour. If we want our decisions to be less distorted by bias, we need to regularly reflect on the barriers and exclusionary practices we may be unconsciously perpetuating. In this workshop, you will learn how unconscious bias can influence our decisions and what strategies you can use to reduce its negative effects.
In-person Workshop
Thursday, March 5, 2026
1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Please note: The workshop is already fully booked. However, you can still register to be placed on a waiting list.
Trainer
Dr. Susanne Hamscha, factor-D
Language
German or English
Location
Deutscher Herold, Poppelsdorfer Allee 31-33, 53115 Bonn, meeting room 3.075
Target group
Professors | Members of appointment committees
Number of participants
Up to 15
Certificate
Certificate of attendance
Contents
- After an introduction to the concept of unconscious bias and structural inequalities in higher education, we will examine bias as an obstacle to fair assessment, recruitment and selection processes. We will analyse the individual phases of these processes and develop specific anti-bias strategies for each phase.
- Finally, we discuss how to deal with observed prejudices in the behaviour of others and how to constructively resolve potentially conflictual situations in committee meetings.
The workshop takes an anti-bias approach and invites participants to question their own assumptions and preconceptions in order to contribute to a more inclusive working environment. The workshop consists of short input phases, individual and group work, video analyses and group discussions.
Frequently asked questions
No. The Vice Rectorate for Equal Opportunity and Diversity will cover all the costs incurred.
Yes. If an event is fully booked, we will put you on the waiting list. You may then move up the list if a space becomes free with enough time still to go before the event starts.
Only some of the rooms in the “Alte Sternwarte” have barrier-free access. Should you need help getting in, please get in touch with your named contact in good time so that we can give you the support you need on the day of the event.
If you need childcare during the event, please contact the Office of Family Services at the University of Bonn.
The further training offers provided by Human Resource Development at the University of Bonn are only open to people who have signed a work contract with the University, are enrolled as a doctoral student, are conducting research on behalf of the University or are an associated member of a research consortium.
You will usually be given a certificate at all our events that confirms your attendance at the event and its content.
Contact
Naomi Salbert
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
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