Press Conference 2023

Berlin, 11 October 2023. From 1 to 10 November 2023, the 8th Berlin Science Week will take place in Berlin and digitally. The programme focuses on the mobility and energy transition, AI in science and medicine, challenges and future of work in science, advances in quantum technologies and nuclear fusion. The new ART & SCIENCE FORUM at Holzmarkt 25 offers an extensive programme focusing on the synergy of art and science. The entire festival programme is now available at berlinscienceweek.com/programme/

„The Berlin Science Week aims to bring this diverse research closer to the people of Berlin, who benefit in many ways from the excellent work of the numerous scientific institutions right at their doorstep. After all, the many social challenges of our time cannot be met without science. Science has a mandate to provide answers to the many societal questions - be it in the field of ecology and climate change, digitalization, artificial intelligence or healthcare”, says Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science, Health and Nursing. “I am sure that the scientists involved will also find new inspiration for their work through the exchange with the participants and fellow researchers. Therefore, the Senate Department for Higher Education and Research, Health and Long-Term Care is very happy to support the Berlin Science Week this year and, in the future, to fulfill its important mission.”

The science festival, which has been taking place since 2016, aims to bring science and research closer to the public with the help of interactive formats, workshops and panel discussions. This year's festival programme features 200 events from around 150 organisations, including Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Futurium, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, DESY, ETH Zurich, Berlin University Alliance, the embassies of Italy, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, the UK and more.

This year, the festival will get an additional venue - the ART & SCIENCE FORUM in the cultural center Holzmarkt 25 focuses on the interaction between research and artistic practice and offers its visitors an extensive programme with exhibitions, an art flea market, live performances, concerts, and a closing party on the last day of the festival, 10 November. The long-standing festival partner, the Museum für Naturkunde, is welcoming visitors to CAMPUS for the fourth time, which this year takes place on 3 and 4 November. Under the motto "Dare to Know: Our Narratives, Our Futures", CAMPUS brings together experts, researchers, scientists, and the public in a dialogue for two days.
"As a scientific community, we must continue to strengthen our collaboration and break down the walls between disciplines. Berlin Science Week contributes to this by bringing together local and international players from research, business, and the media, and by bringing science to life for the public in all its exciting diversity” says Jürgen Mlynek, coordinator of Berlin Science Week and chairman of the Falling Walls Foundation.

Voices on the Berlin Science Week 2023
(approved quotes from the speakers at the Berlin Science Week press conference on 11 October 2023)

"Berlin Science Week is not just an event; it is a mission to build bridges, to involve the public in science, and to showcase what's new and exciting in the world of knowledge. It embodies the spirit of exploration and curiosity that drives humanity forward. It is a testament to our collective commitment to understanding the world around us and using that knowledge to create a better future." – Luiza Bengtsson, Head of Berlin Science Week

“Open access to scientific research and public engagement in the scientific debate are extraordinary opportunities for societal growth. That is why the Embassy of Italy is pleased to participate in the Berlin Science Week with two thought-provoking events on the global efforts towards decarbonized energy production through nuclear fusion and on Italy’s involvement in gravitational wave research also with the forthcoming Einstein Telescope.” – Piergiorgio Alotto, Scientific Attaché Italian Embassy Berlin.

"The Einstein Foundation was established to promote excellent research in Berlin. At this year’s Berlin Science Week – a great moment to showcase a few of the researchers we have funded as well as groundbreaking work - we are proud to participate with three events and also give the finalists for the 2023 Early Career Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research the opportunity to present their projects." – Martin Rennert, Chairman Einstein Foundation Berlin

“By breaking down barriers between disciplines, we want to inspire people to embark on a journey that crosses borders and promotes a deeper connection between science and society.” – Roman Engel-Herbert, Director Paul Drude Institute for Solid State Electronics

About Berlin Science Week
Berlin Science Week is a 10-day international festival that brings together the world's most innovative scientific organisations in Berlin and online to celebrate science and facilitate an open and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and knowledge. With thousands of participants, it is one of the largest science events and takes place annually from 1 to 10 November. Berlin Science Week is organised with the support of the Senate Department for Science, Health, Care and Equality and Berlin Partner for Business and Technology. Coordination is provided by the non-profit Falling Walls Foundation.
berlinscienceweek.com

Berlin Science Week ART & SCIENCE FORUM (1 – 10 November)
Holzmarkt 25
Holzmarktstrasse 25,10243 Berlin
berlinscienceweek.com/holzmarkt-art-science-forum/
Selected events require registration, see online programme

Berlin Science Week CAMPUS (3 – 4 November)
Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Invalidenstraße 43, 10115 Berlin
berlinscienceweek.com/campus/
Selected events require registration, see online programme