‘Common Ground’ – Science Sends a Strong Message of Global Unity
- 300 events across more than 120 locations brought science, art, and society together
- Around 35,000 participants attended in person and online
- The first-ever Art & Science Conference highlighted the potential of transdisciplinary approaches to solving global challenges
- Interactive dialogue formats encouraged active participation and diverse perspectives
- Ina Czyborra, Berlin Senator for Higher Education and Research, Health, and Long-Term Care: “Scientific exchange is key to a sustainable future.”
Berlin, 20 November 2024 – The Berlin Science Week 2024 demonstrated how science, art, and society can collectively tackle today’s pressing challenges. From 1 to 10 November,, over 300 events across 120 locations, under the theme Common Ground, provided a platform for open dialogue and collaborative solutions. The festival’s central hubs—the CAMPUS at the Museum für Naturkunde and the Science & Culture FORUM at Holzmarkt 25—served as dynamic meeting points for transdisciplinary exchange. With around 35,000 participants attending, the event underscored the crucial role of scientific collaboration in fostering societal cohesion.
"This year’s Berlin Science Week impressively demonstrated how science can engage with society,” emphasised Dr Ina Czyborra, Berlin Senator for Science, Health, and Long-Term Care. “I would like to sincerely thank all organisers and participants. The exchanges throughout this week have once again underscored how central science is to shaping a sustainable future. As Senator for Science, I am especially grateful for a number of inspiring encounters during Berlin Science Week.”
Science for Everyone: Participation and Diverse Perspectives
A special focus was placed on formats that allowed citizens to actively contribute, debate, and explore different perspectives. Events such as Threatened Science provided a forum for discussing the freedom of research and strategies to safeguard it. The Decision Theatre, hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology and Arizona State University, offered an innovative platform where participants could experience the impacts of collective decision-making, such as during periods of water scarcity.
“Berlin Science Week is pioneering vibrant new forms of dialogue between science and society,” said Dr Christian Rauch, Head of Berlin Science Week. “From interactive workshops to discussion-driven formats, our visitors had the opportunity to step behind the scenes of research labs and make their voices heard.”
Art and Science: Potential for Societal Change
The Science & Culture FORUM at Holzmarkt 25 was home to the inaugural Art & Science Conference, showcasing Berlin’s dynamic and rapidly growing art-science community. Artists and scientists explored the potential of transdisciplinary innovations through performances, lectures, and workshops.
“Berlin uniquely combines world-class research with cultural experimentation,” remarked Dr Christian Rauch. “The programme at the FORUM highlights Berlin’s enormous potential as an ecosystem for innovations at the intersection of art and science. Here, novel approaches emerge to address societal challenges such as climate change or the use of artificial intelligence.”
Innovations and Societal Unity
Numerous events addressed the opportunities and risks of new technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion Building Unbiased AI examined the importance of developing gender-equitable technologies. Additionally, a workshop on the role of modern technologies in global security showcased how AI can support arms control and serve as a tool for peace and stability.
At the Tiny Galleries in Holzmarkt 25, visitors encountered artistic and scientific projects centred on sustainability and innovation. An interactive music project by composer Thomas Tichai and a quantum technology team creatively fused quantum physics and art.
“Berlin Science Week has firmly established itself as a catalyst for new ideas and interdisciplinary approaches,” summarised Andreas Kosmider, Managing Director of the Falling Walls Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to all partners, supporters, and participants—particularly the Berlin Senate Department—for their contributions to one of the world’s most significant science festivals.”
Press Contact: press@berlinscienceweek.com
Press Photos: Berlin Science Week 2024
About Berlin Science Week
Berlin Science Week is a 10-day international festival held annually from 1 to 10 November. It brings together the world’s most innovative scientific organisations in Berlin and online. The festival celebrates science and fosters open, interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and knowledge. With approximately 35,000 participants each year, it is one of the largest science events globally. Berlin Science Week is supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Science, Health, and Gender Equality, as well as Berlin Partner for Business and Technology. Coordination is managed by the Falling Walls Foundation. berlinscienceweek.com
About the Falling Walls Foundation
The Falling Walls Foundation annually organises the Berlin Science Week and the Falling Walls Science Summit. Its mission is to showcase groundbreaking scientific discoveries and foster interdisciplinary discussions. These events bring together thought leaders from science, politics, business, and society to develop innovative solutions for global challenges. Falling-walls.com