Kay Hemmerling

Dr Kay Hemmerling, Chairman at the Institute for Moral-Democratic Competence (IMDC e.V.)

Dr.rer.nat., Dipl.-Psych. Kay Hemmerling is a pedagogic psychologist with an expertise in psychological didactics within professional settings. 

With a rich professional background, he has contributed his expertise across diverse fields, including geriatric care, hospitality, and as a psychological referral officer within the prison system. Engaging in various social rehabilitation projects, Dr. Hemmerling notably facilitated debates among inmates in high-security prisons. Under the guidance of Prof. Georg Lind, his doctoral research focused on the practical implementation of moral competence within social rehabilitation frameworks. The culmination of his efforts is reflected in his publication "Morality behind Bars" by Peter Lang, which disseminates his insightful findings and analyses. 

Dr. Hemmerling became closely associated with Prof. Lind, serving as his assistant and cultivating a friendship while undergoing rigorous training and certification as a teacher and trainer in the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion (KMDD). From 2006 onward, Dr. Hemmerling expertly applied KMDD across diverse educational settings, spanning from primary to higher education institutions. Additionally, he integrated KMDD into various vocational domains, extending support to socio-educational programs for dropouts and the long-term unemployed, providing therapeutic assistance to individuals battling addiction, and delivering professional training sessions. Dr. Hemmerling's commitment to advancing educational practices is evidenced through his leadership in numerous research projects, and his role as a trusted scientific advisor to several university research institutes. 

Over the past decade, Kay Hemmerling has excelled as an employer and project manager, spearheading multiple EU-funded initiatives. These projects are dedicated to providing support for trainers, students, and process consultants within small and medium-sized enterprises. Through his dynamic leadership and strategic insight, Dr. Hemmerling has played a pivotal role in enhancing the professional development and operational efficiency of individuals and businesses alike across the European Union. 

Following the passing of Prof. Georg Lind, Dr. Hemmerling was elected as the first chairman at the Institute for Moral-Democratic Competence (IMDC e.V.). This institute holds a significant position as the official training hub for the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion (KMDD), offering comprehensive training programmes tailored for educators and teacher-training institutions. Under Dr. Hemmerling's stewardship, the IMDC continues to uphold prof. Lind's legacy, fostering ethical and democratic competencies through rigorous training and educational initiatives. 

Presentation title: Nurturing Critical Thinking vs. Fostering Moral Competence: Psychological Perspectives on Theory and Measurement of Both Concepts and Their Implications for Education