25 years of talking to each other

We are living in a time when societies are drifting apart, real and digital conflicts are escalating, and our civilization is threatened by a global crisis. Yet in the easternmost corner of Germany, there is a unique degree programme that counters despair and hopelessness with the power of communication. And so, 25 years after its founding, over 200 distinguished, practicing, and student communication psychologists gathered to exchange ideas, continue their education, and advance their vision of living together in harmony.

Between workshops on current topics—such as the climate crisis, “New Work,” and childhood sexuality—there was plenty of time to explore career prospects in communication psychology and to network. On Saturday evening, a mentalist show first expertly enchanted the audience before the reunion was celebrated. On Sunday, Professor Bernhard Pörksen (University of Tübingen) received a standing ovation for his keynote address, “The Illusion of Truth.” With a blend of anecdotal humor and seriousness, a penchant for exaggeration, and a keen sense of the fatal power of ideologies, the scholar and bestselling author explored the limits of our cognitive abilities.

After two days, all participants—energized by new perspectives and a drive to act, both thoughtful and enthusiastic—flowed out of the communication psychology enclave and back into the world, ready to continue the conversation.