Festival Centre Day 1
Science in touch with society.
The opening day of the Festival Centre at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) explores the role of science in society, examining how research moves into the public sphere, whether that be through a framework or a policy, a game-changing innovation, or a public campaign. This day brings together Berlin's world-class scientific ecosystem and international partners like CERN, TU9, and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft to talk about how science moves out of the lab, through knowledge transfer, science communication, and careers.
Here you can join a conversation on what it'll take for Germany to turn cutting-edge research into market-ready products; meet science journalists to go through case studies of how misinformation and conspiracy theories spread; and hear from researchers what a career in science really looks like, including the unconventional turns nobody warns you about.
For those working in or around science, whether that's in a lab, a university, a transfer office, or as a student, this day offers insights into the current debates shaping their field and industry. For festival-goers curious about science, the day offers a glimpse behind the scenes of how science operates and adapts, and who's shaping where it goes next.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Current Debates in Science: Explore a programme dedicated to the questions at the centre of knowledge transfer and science communication: how research reaches industry, policy, and the public.
- Diverse Formats: Panels, talks, and workshops built to dig into the depths of what's (re)shaping science today.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet researchers, students, and organisations from across disciplines and find your next collaborator, mentor, or opportunity.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Current Debates in Science: Explore a programme dedicated to the questions at the centre of knowledge transfer and science communication: how research reaches industry, policy, and the public.
- Diverse Formats: Panels, talks, and workshops built to dig into the depths of what's (re)shaping science today.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet researchers, students, and organisations from across disciplines and find your next collaborator, mentor, or opportunity.
HIGHLIGHTS
A first look at some of the standout events from Day 1. Mark your calendar for these. Please note: events are displayed in the language in which they will take place.
WHAT'S ON THIS EVENING
Plasmática Fantástica <3 & S A L A R
6 November 2026 | 19:30 - 21:00 | HKW | EN
Fertile Void, a HKW event series looks at how the promises and narratives of quantum science and technology inscribe themselves in rituals, cosmologies, sensory practices, and materials. The opening evening features an immersive sonic essay by Nicole L'Huillier on primordial sound waves and cosmic matter, along with a performance by Amanda Piña on lithium mining in the Atacama Desert.
Plasmática Fantástica <3 & S A L A R
6 November 2026 | 19:30 - 21:00 | HKW | EN
Fertile Void, a HKW event series looks at how the promises and narratives of quantum science and technology inscribe themselves in rituals, cosmologies, sensory practices, and materials. The opening evening features an immersive sonic essay by Nicole L'Huillier on primordial sound waves and cosmic matter, along with a performance by Amanda Piña on lithium mining in the Atacama Desert.
GET YOUR FESTIVAL CENTRE PASS
Your 3-Day Festival Centre Pass is free, and it's your key to everything happening across all three days at the Festival Centre. While you're booking, take a moment to reserve a seat for any workshops you don't want to miss. Space is limited, so securing a spot in advance means you're guaranteed a seat rather than hoping for one on the day. Walk-ins are always welcome, but booking ahead gives you priority access and the best shot at the full experience.
THREE DAYS & WAYS TO SEE SCIENCE
The Festival Centre unfolds over three full days, each with its own way of encountering science. Join us on Days 2 and 3 to experience the full Festival Centre programme.
3-Day Festival Centre Pass