Mexican Science Day 1: From knowledge to action

Can science turn borders into bridges?

Mexican Science Day brings together voices from Mexico, Germany and partner countries to ask how science can stay close to people while responding to shared challenges across borders.

Hosted at the Embassy of Mexico in Berlin, the event will combine high-level perspectives, expert panels, young researcher presentations and networking. Visitors can expect a full-day programme where science diplomacy meets concrete research fields: technological sovereignty, frontier technologies, sustainability, climate resilience, public health, social cohesion, territorial development and academic cooperation.

• The programme will open with institutional and ministerial perspectives on the role of science in international cooperation. 
• From there, thematic panels will connect strategic priorities with real-world questions:
  • How can countries strengthen scientific and technological capacities? 
  • What does public health need after the pandemic years? 
  • How can research support climate resilience, food systems, water security and biodiversity? 
  • And how can science contribute to more inclusive forms of development across regions and communities?

Mexican Science Day will also place young researchers at the centre of the conversation. 

• One segment will feature young participants connected to National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) , Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM) and Falling Walls Foundation in a student Pitch Competition. From this group, one participant will be selected to take part in Falling Walls, giving the session a direct link to one of the most visible international platforms for emerging scientific talent.
• Another segment will welcome back young researchers who presented their proposals at Mexican Science Day 2025 and received funding from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) to develop scientific workshops in Mexico. This year, they will return to share what they implemented, who they reached, what collaborations emerged and what their experience shows about science as a bridge between cultures, institutions and people.
• A highlight of this year’s programme will be the "Science Slam", again supported by the BMFTR. Early-career scientists will present workshop proposals for Mexico, linking scientific creativity with targeted funding, international cooperation and tangible results.

Together, the programme connects science diplomacy, research cooperation and concrete outcomes. Across panels, pitches and results-oriented sessions, Mexican Science Day will show how clear objectives, targeted funding and international collaboration can turn scientific ideas into visible results.

The event is designed for researchers, students, policymakers, institutions, embassies, science communicators and anyone interested in how science can move from knowledge to decisions, and from borders to bridges. We aim to ensure a balanced and diverse speaker lineup, including gender balance, researchers at different career stages, institutional representatives, students and participants from Mexico and Germany. Accessible language, moderated discussions and participatory formats will support broad participation and respectful dialogue. The event will be hosted at the Embassy of Mexico in Berlin, a centrally located venue that is easily reachable by public transport. It is designed as an inclusive and welcoming space for diverse audiences.