Recognising and preventing abuse of power: Apply now

06/30/2026

Whether in churches, clubs or the film industry – people abuse their power in many different contexts. A certificate programme at the University of Würzburg explores the structures behind this. Application deadline: 15 July.

The first intake of the University of Würzburg’s certificate programme ‘Recognising and Preventing Abuse of Power’ (MEV) will come to an end in July 2026. Following a successful start, the two-semester programme (in German language) will continue in the winter.

The pilot cohort comprised 115 participants. Around half of these were students at JMU. They were joined by professionals from the fields of education, psychology, medicine, the church, culture and politics, who were attending the MEV programme as part of their continuing professional development. In all these sectors, there are organisations with pronounced hierarchies, which always carry the risk of abuse of power.

The MEV certificate programme provides participants with a foundation on which they can recognise potential breaches of boundaries at an early stage and take action to counter them. It also enables them to plan protection strategies that prevent abusive behaviour from occurring in the first place.

Theory, practice and the perspective of those affected

MEV consists of two phases.

The winter semester lays the academic foundation with theories and definitions of power. Participants learn how psychology, philosophy and social ethics define power and the abuse of power. In this way, they learn to recognise, identify and analyse the abuse of power. As the semester progresses, the modules become increasingly practice-oriented.

A highlight of the winter semester was an evening discussion with two members of the Victims’ Advisory Board and the Independent Commission for the Investigation of Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Würzburg. The perspective of those affected is essential if we are to strive for prevention: it is only through their stories that even the small, often invisible mechanisms and effects of power become tangible.

In the summer term, the theory learnt in the winter term is put into practice. Participants are introduced to a wide variety of settings: from nurseries, schools and universities, through cultural and social spheres such as music, the church and sport, to hospitals, care homes and voluntary work.

The centrepieces of the summer term were sessions with Dr Ulrike Hoffmann, who has made a significant contribution to child protection in the medical field, and with Professor Barbara Kavemann, who conducts research into sexual violence against children. Participants also had the opportunity to discuss issues with director Christoph Röhl, who made a film about institutional abuse at the Odenwald School (‘Die Auserwählten’, Germany 2014), and with the Vicar General of the Diocese of Würzburg, Dr Jürgen Vorndran.

Feedback from participants

Even during the pilot course, participants repeatedly reported that the programme was having a direct impact on their work. One participant, who works as a trainer in a church context, was able to incorporate the theoretical content directly into a training workshop.

One participant, who heads an ombudsman service , said: “The content not only imparts relevant theoretical knowledge, but also encourages a nuanced reflection on cases, communication situations and institutional processes. Overall, I found the course to be academically challenging yet highly practical and supportive. It not only strengthens one’s knowledge but also boosts one’s confidence in dealing with sensitive situations and institutional challenges.”

Applications for the next intake are now open

The second intake of the certificate programme ‘Recognising and Preventing Abuse of Power’ will start in the winter semester 2026/27. MEV is aimed at students at JMU as well as professionals from all sectors with hierarchical structures and contact with people in their care.

Those interested can apply by 15 July 2026 via an online form on the certificate programme’s website (go.uniwue.de/mev).

Participants can tailor the course to their individual circumstances : most of the course content is available online as asynchronous modules, with only a few sessions taking place in person (as Zoom seminars and workshops).

Anyone wishing to gain an insight into the origins, motivation and objectives of MEV can watch the MEV launch ceremony from 30 September 2025 on YouTube , featuring the keynote address by Professor Jörg Fegert (Ulm University Hospital).