Welcome to stsing e.V.’s 2nd conference “Before Ruins” at Ruhr University Bochum
We are truly over the moon to have you! This conference attempts a new format and whenever doing things like that, nothing is fail-safe. Please reach out with any questions and comments to the fantastic student assistants and conference organizers. You can identify them with colored lanyards.
The idea for this new format was born from various debates about conferencing in a time of climate destruction and political crisis. From it, much good can emerge; new ideas, new entry points, new colleagues or even friends. But it is also in response to things being uneasy: It is uneasy to live in a ruined world, to bring together empirical work and theory, to bring together people from different types of organisations and thought traditions. We are not naive to the fact that through such a get-together also conflicts can emerge; between different opinions on academic discourses as well as the world out there (that we explicitly invite in and address with this conference). Standing before ruins also means a mode of engaging with uneasiness, conflict and disturbance. We therefore hope that this conference will be a ground for conversing across differences, for finding hope in small similarities, and for being together in good faith.
stsing e.V. is an association that has committed to fostering research in STS that is (1) experimental (2) collaborative (3) planetary and (4) international. Please read more on stsing e.V.’s vision and strategy. In 2024, stsing e.V. has decided upon a code of conduct for its members and events.
Accessibility
- All rooms at RUB are wheelchair accessible, HGB 10 can be reached through the HGB entrance. All other rooms are wheelchair accessible through the GB entrance.
- Toilets around the conference venue are indicated as standing or sitting lavatories
- Microphones will be used in the auditorium but not in seminar rooms. Please contact the session chairs if you require hearing assistance.
- English will not be translated to German, German will not be translated to English
Awareness/we try our best to
- Making a good academic conferencing is a shared responsibility, we try to explain rather than blame and shame
- Constructive criticism is at the heart of academic conversations
- Collectively attempt to give everyone time and space to talk during sessions
- Collectively care for our surroundings
- Be mindful of our self and each other; eat, drink, and rest
- Practice environmental care: consider litter, take care of our reusable cups, use low energy apps and websites (like the conference website!)
During the conference, an Awareness Team will be on site and available if you need support. You will recognize them on their red lanyards.
Wednesday: 11:00–20:00
Thursday: 11:00–13:00 and 17:00–01:00
Friday: 12:00–17:00
Contact: +49 151 51421329
You can get in touch with the awareness team by call, text, or Signal messenger.
The team is here to listen and offer confidential support, help navigate difficult situations, can point to additional resources and offers a kit with basic support items, including a first aid kit, period products, earplugs, a stress ball.
Example Situations
- You are feeling overwhelmed or have experienced an uncomfortable situation
- You have been witness to situation that disagrees with the association’s code of conduct
Emergency Numbers and Evacuation Plan on RUB campus
RUB Control Room: +49 234 32 23333
Depending on the type of emergency, the RUB Control Room will inform the fire department or the police and may forward you to these authorities. The RUB Control Room is staffed around the clock.
You can also make emergency calls on RUB Campus using the alarm buttons in the elevators.
Note: Don´t call the usual emergency numbers 110 & 112 on RUB Campus. All emergencies are managed through the RUB Control Room.
RUB Companion Service (to walk you across campus at night): +49 234 32 27001
Room of Silence (GB): Ebene 02, Raum 133.
During lunch on Friday, we will host a session on “Solidarity and STS in Times of Crisis”.