Corruption Prevention Day 2025

The first "Corruption Prevention Day" was held at the university on 10 November 2025 and was aimed at all researchers and teaching staff at the university. The aim of the information event was to sensitise researchers and teaching staff to the risks of corruption and to provide them with guidance on how to act, especially in an academic environment.

Mr Uwe Bekemann kicked off the event with the lecture: "Setting boundaries: Gifts and Incentives in Academia - Understanding and Implementing Anti-Corruption Guidelines in the Public Sector"

Mr Bekemann is a former anti-corruption officer for the city of Bielefeld with many years of practical and lecturing experience.

The presentation focussed on dealing with gifts and rewards in the public sector and the associated risks. In his presentation, he reported from municipal practice. However, the underlying issues and empirical values are just as significant for Bielefeld University and can be transferred to it.

Please refer to his presentation for details.

After Mr Bekemann's introductory presentation, the chancellor of the university, Dr Stephan Becker , took the floor and welcomed the participants. In his welcoming address, Dr Becker pointed out that the scientific world works on highly specialised issues and developments, which must be carried out in close cooperation with external partners. These collaborations are essential and should take place. Recognising and setting boundaries is particularly important here.

Dr Tony Rostalski, lawyer, then took over with his presentation: "Between ideal and reality: dealing with misconduct in the academic environment"

Dr Rostalski is a specialist lawyer for criminal law with a focus on commercial criminal law and compliance and also works as an ombudsman. As a lawyer, he provides compliance advice and conducts internal investigations. He also represents executives and companies in fine and criminal proceedings.

In his presentation, Dr Rostalski highlighted the challenges and legal framework conditions of corruption prevention in the university context. Using real-life headlines, the consultant explained that criminal liability is already given by the conspiracy to commit unauthorised acts, even if no actual offence is committed.

In his second topic area, "Preventing corruption in the academic context", Dr Rostalski referred to a ruling by the Federal Court of Justice on the acquisition of third-party funding and analysed the associated risks. He addressed the various aspects of fundraising, their use and the problem of unauthorised tying and gave illustrative examples, including the often-discussed aspects such as hospitality, accommodation and conference venues with a high leisure value. He also presented the Federal Situation Report on Corruption for the year 2024 and concluded with the succinct conclusion: "When in doubt, give the benefit of the doubt".

In the third part of the presentation, Dr Rostalski addressed "Dealing with misconduct" and emphasised the central role of managers in preventing corruption. He pointed out that they are not only responsible for the welfare of their employees, but also have a duty to report suspected offences to the State Criminal Police Office. Dr Rostalski gave managers recommendations on the culture of dialogue and establishing a "speak-up" culture in order to openly address and address misconduct.

In the final section of his presentation, Dr Rostalski emphasised the importance of whistleblowers and internal reporting offices. A representative study shows that many people are reluctant to provide information about economic offences, even if they suspect them.

Public Prosecutor (GL) Dr Thomas Funcke will close the "Corruption Prevention Day" with his presentation "Corruption in focus: Legal foundations and experiences from the practice of criminal prosecution."

Dr Thomas Funcke is a public prosecutor (GL) at the public prosecutor's office in Bielefeld, a public prosecutor's office specialising in corruption.

The focus of the presentation was on the legal foundations and reports from practical experience in the prosecution of corruption offences.

Please refer to his presentation for details.