Conference Meeting of the Geographischer Arbeitskreis ^*Entwicklungs*theorien (GA^*E)

20–21 November 2025 | Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Reflecting Difference: Engaging with Ethics, Values, and Responsibilities in Planetary Times

The Geographischer Arbeitskreis ^*Entwicklungs*theorien (GA^*E) – the longest-running working group within the VGDH – invites to its upcoming annual workshop. This will take place from 20–21 November 2025 at the Institute of Geography at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The workshop will focus on reflecting our epistemic practices with a particular emphasis on differentiation as a core principle for highlighting uneven geographies as a heuristic tool in our research.

We recognise the GA*E’s respectable tradition as a platform for critical and sceptical engagement with the inherent normativity, ethical frameworks, implicit values, and responsibilities in our scholarly practice. We also recognise the need to address global asymmetries in order to uncover the power imbalances that shape our field of research. We extend a particular invitation to interdisciplinary (early-career) researchers who are themselves sceptical of the working group’s current name. Our aim is to foster open and inclusive debate on the future of our research area in a disorderly world shaped by planetary crises and systemic injustices.

Organisation

Human Geography in Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University

Veronika Cummings (cummings@geo.uni-mainz.de)

Julia Verne (julia.verne@uni-mainz.de)

Toni Adscheid (tadschei@uni-mainz.de)

Conference venue:

Institute of Geography

Johann-Joachim-Becher Weg 21

55128 Mainz