In times when acceptance, tolerance, and diversity are often neglected, it is essential to focus on the university – the place where our society’s future is shaped. Our goal is to create an environment where all students feel comfortable and supported, especially those for whom inclusion is not always easy.

Many students are left on their own when it comes to organizing and managing their studies, often lacking orientation and a sense of community. That’s where our project comes in: we aim to empower students – regardless of their background – and encourage engaged students to get involved.

We spoke to students from different universities about their experiences and realized that although many initiatives already exist, they are often poorly known or hard to access. That’s why we are making existing programs more visible and accessible through targeted social media campaigns.

We are currently working on exactly these social media campaigns and are excited to promote diversity, engagement, and community at the University of Stuttgart.

What we have learned: Talking to students, we realised how important such opportunities and programmes are for them to feel included in university life, to feel part of the community and to feel welcome. However, it's not enough for the programmes to exist – they also need to be visible and welcoming to make a real difference.

Lino, Bachelor Information Systems
Meriem, Master Medical Engineering
Julian, Bachelor Romance Languages
Ali, Bachelor Mechanical Engineering

What is the solution when your club, organization or NGO slowly disappears from the radar? That’s the question we asked ourselves – and the spark for our project.

We wanted to support (volunteer-based) organizations that struggle to attract and retain members. Many clubs face declining engagement, outdated structures, a lack of visibility and digital still stand.

To get to the core of the issue, we talked to active members of local clubs, volunteers, and conducted research in our own clubs.

Our outcome: a compact, hands-on Guide for Clubs in Crisis – filled with practical strategies, best practices, and creative inspiration. It helps clubs rethink their communication, make volunteering more attractive, and explore new cooperation models.

What we learned? Small actions can create big impact – and the best ideas often come from listening first. 

DOWNLOAD our Guide and share it with your network so we can reach as many organisations as possible together! 

Aylina, Bachelor Information Systems
Kevin, Master Technical Oriented Business Administration
Simon, Bachelor Physics

As part of the campus-wide GLOW UP initiative, we  - an interdisciplinary team of students from Architecture, Technical Business Administration, and Education - set out to enhance student well-being and foster community at the Stadtmitte campus of the University of Stuttgart. Through our project PULSE, we developed and successfully proposed the installation of two outdoor table tennis tables as a low-barrier, high-impact way to bring physical activity and social interaction directly onto campus.

Driven by a shared belief that education and health are deeply connected, we began by surveying our fellow students. The results spoke clearly: 96% of respondents said they would use table tennis tables during their breaks, and many explicitly named them as a preferred sports option. This confirmed our sense that the current infrastructure lacked adequate opportunities for spontaneous physical activity and interaction.

Using these insights, we designed a project with a clear focus: the installation of two robust concrete tables in central, accessible locations on campus. We considered factors like visibility, proximity to lecture halls, and the potential to transform underused outdoor areas into active social spaces. Our plan includes not only the tables but also basic equipment like paddles and balls, making the offer ready to use for everyone.

We carefully developed a financial plan and applied for €5,550 in project funding—which we successfully secured. We coordinated closely with the School for Talents and building authorities, who supported us throughout the process. We also aligned our project with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, recognizing that even small interventions can create meaningful impact.

Through this project, we gained practical experience in project management, interdisciplinary teamwork, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. We learned how important a clear timeline and financial structure are to realizing an idea - and we saw firsthand how student-led initiatives can improve the quality of life on campus.

By bringing table tennis to Stadtmitte, we aim to create more than just a space for play. We want to spark connection, offer a break for body and mind, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant student community.

Kai, Bachelor Teaching English & Sport
Rosalie, Bachelor Technical Oriented Business Administration
Sina, Bachelor Architecture and Urban Planning
Mete, Bachelor Technical Oriented Business Administration

What do your belongings hold — joy, sorrow, love, or nostalgia?
 While fleeing the war, many Ukrainians could take only the essentials. Yet almost everyone brought something special — a personal item that became a bridge between past and present.

RevivalUA is a project about memory, told through personal objects.
 A photograph, a brooch, a letter, a toy — each item carries emotions, memories, and roots. We aim not just to display the object, but to share the voice behind it.

📌 What makes this item special?
📌 What memories does it hold?
📌 Why did it stay with you as a reminder of home?

Outcome and next steps:
 We are preparing an exhibition as the first step. What follows are video stories, educational events, and an “object dialogue” format — all to deepen mutual understanding between Ukrainians and Germans.

We’ve learned how to honor others’ stories — and that memory is a foundation for human connection, here and now.

RevivalUA is a way to preserve what matters, share what was lived through, and be truly heard.

Yelyzaveta, Master of Arts, Digital Humanities 
Anastasiia, Bachelor of Science, Software Engineering
Mariia, Master of Science, Architecture and urban planning
Kseniia, Master of Arts, English and American Studies

Our project, Roundtable, was born from a shared feeling of political powerlessness  - one that we confirmed through surveys among peers and students. In an ever-changing world, underrepresentation is becoming a global issue. Many people no longer believe their voices can break through the barriers of today’s political system. That’s why we asked: How can democracy be reimagined to make participation more meaningful and inclusive?

To explore this, we interviewed politicians, professors, and teachers, and studied democratic innovations like citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting, and direct democracy. We then shared our insights and proposed solutions through a live radio show on HORADS 88.6, the campus station at the University of Stuttgart. The experience of running the show ourselves - after a workshop at Hochschule der Medien - taught us that radio itself can be a powerful medium for civic participation and amplifying unheard voices. Our group felt empowered by indirectly reaching and engaging a broad audience.

This journey didn’t just deepen our understanding of democracy—it empowered us to imagine new ways of participation. We now want to invite others to join future Roundtable broadcasts, giving more students a platform to speak up and be heard.

Marcel, Bacheor Simulation Technology
Meri, Bachelor Chemical- and Bio-Engineering
Katarina, Bachelor German and History
Vanessa, Bachelor Technical Oriented Business Administration
Niclas Noel, Bachelor Computer Science
Firas, Master Aerospace Engineering 

You can find approximately 50,000 PDF documents at University of Stuttgart, virtually none of which are accessible. Older documents are unlikely to be revised, and while accessibility is now a legal requirement, it is not always consistently enforced. Do students think about digital accessibility when uploading a document? Probably not. Team [transverto] aims to tackle this issue with a concrete technical solution.

In the first phase of our project, we consulted with the university's representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses, as well as the officer responsible for digital accessibility. This gave us all the key information we needed to define the parameters of our project. In the second phase, we had to decide on a specific implementation. The idea had to be both technically feasible and impactful.

Our solution primarily targets students with visual impairments - but it's not limited to them. The core idea is to automatically "transform" documents. We've already developed a prototype that successfully converts PowerPoint files. Specifically, we use AI to generate alternative text for all images and diagrams. Alternative texts for technical diagrams are especially valuable, as they allow all students to work independently. Traditional tools are currently unable to describe complex images accurately and reliably.

With our prototype, we are only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible, which is why we are committed to continuing the project in the future.

Mike Michel, Bachelor Aerospace Engineering 
Sandro, Bachelor Aerospace Engineering 
Natalie, Master Medical Engineering
Victoria, Bachelor Engineering Cybernetics
Dominic, Bachelor Software Engineering

Project Goals
To strengthen networks, build confidence, and promote visibility for women in STEM, this student-led event brought together 45 STEM students and 8 professional role models from leading companies including Bosch, IBM, ZEISS, and Kyndryl. The goal: to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of women in science and technology.

How It Was Done
As part of their engagement with the School for Talents, Anietta and Marina planned and executed the entire event - from developing the concept and securing sponsorships to organizing logistics, communications, and moderation. The evening featured a keynote, peer networking, and rotating discussion tables that enabled in-depth, personal exchanges.

Outcomes and Impact
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants reported increased confidence, valuable insights, and lasting connections. Many students found role models and mentors for the first time. For the organizers, it was a powerful learning experience in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. The success of this first edition has laid the foundation for a growing Women in STEM network at the University of Stuttgart.

Anietta Weckauff, Computer Science
Marina Jähnert Giannitrapani, Engineering Cybernetics