Fake or Fact -What fake news does to us and to our democracy & The HWR Talents 2026 awards ceremony

Photo: Andrii/stock.adobe.com

Following a welcome address by the President, the author Karolin Schwarz will deliver the keynote speech ‘Fake or Fact? – What Disinformation Does to Us and to Our Democracy’ (in English). In her interactive talk, she will explore how fake news and digital disinformation challenge our society and our free and democratic constitutional order – and how we, both as individuals and as a society, can learn to distinguish facts from manipulation. The audience is actively invited to contribute their thoughts and join in the discussion.

The talk ties in directly with this year’s theme: at a time when digital spaces are increasingly characterised by fragmentation and manipulation, the physical space for shared reflection and exchange – the campus – is becoming ever more important. It serves as a counter-model: a space where knowledge can be critically examined, opinions negotiated through direct dialogue, and trust rebuilt.

Following the keynote speech, we will honour the talented students of our university, before the evening concludes with a social gathering offering opportunities for discussion – including the chance to speak with the student counsellors.

Programme

• Welcome address: Prof. Dr Jens Hermsdorf, President
   
• Keynote speech: “Fake or Fact? – What Disinformation Does to Us and to Our Democracy” (in English)
  Speaker: Karolin Schwarz, author
   
• HWR Talents 2026 Awards
  Laudation: Prof. Dr Silke Bustamante, Vice-President 
   
• Networking event for talents and student representatives

Speaker

Photo: Andi Weiland

Karolin Schwarz is an author and one of Germany’s leading voices on the subject of disinformation in the digital sphere. She became known for the platform she founded, Hoaxmap.org, which documents and categorises false reports. She has also been invited to appear as an expert witness in the German Bundestag.

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