SFB ISOQUANT | UNIFY Making the Invisible Visible: Recognizing, Understanding and Responsibly Addressing Microaggressions in Academia

Microaggressions are often subtle. They can take the form of seemingly casual comments, questions, assumptions or behaviours and may sometimes go unnoticed by those who express or witness them. Yet their cumulative effects can significantly shape people’s experiences of belonging, recognition and participation in academic environments. The public talk provides an accessible introduction to microaggressions in academic settings. Dr. Sissoko will discuss how microaggressions emerge, how psychological and institutional dynamics shape their impact, and why the reactions of colleagues, supervisors and bystanders can play an important role. The talk will also introduce practical approaches for responding to microaggressions and contributing to a more inclusive and respectful academic culture.