Volunteer with us

Compensation Eligibility:
Volunteers must have permission to receive compensation in a freelance or private capacity in Berlin. Since this is a paid opportunity and we cannot accept unpaid work, this permission is essential. This can happen in one of two ways:

• by issuing an invoice for your services (if you are registered as freelancer and the tasks correspond to your main activity) 

OR 

• by issuing a request for compensation (Aufwandsentschädigung) if you are not registered as a freelancer and are supporting us in a private capacity.  

Please note that we are unable to help you clarify if you have this permission or not. This depends on your individual visa status and needs to be confirmed by you directly with the relevant authority.

Language Requirements:
You should feel comfortable speaking either English or German so you can confidently guide our visitors. Some roles require fluency in both.

Interest in Science:
We're looking for people who are enthusiastic about science. Some roles call for familiarity with specific fields, while others require no prior knowledge at all. A background in research, science communication or academia is a plus where relevant, but never a requirement to volunteer with us.

Applications open on 22 September and close on 6 October 2026. All selected volunteers must attend an online briefing in 29 October 2026 at 15:00-16:00. 

Accreditation (Partners / Programme / Press) 

• What you'll do: You are one of the first points of contact for accredited guests such as partners, speakers, moderators, artists, and press. You check accreditations, hand out badges, and provide important information about the event. You also help with questions and make sure guests have a smooth arrival. 
   
• What you bring: You're friendly, professional and a confident communicator who's comfortable using digital lists and tools. You work carefully and reliably, and you're able to work in both German and English. 

Guest Check-In  

• What you'll do: You welcome visitors to Berlin Science Week and help them with registration and check-in. You answer initial questions and help guests find their way around the event, making sure everyone has a smooth and welcoming start to their visit. 
   
• What you bring: You've got a friendly, open personality and genuinely enjoy interacting with people. You're reliable, attentive and service-minded, and you speak German and/or English. 

Exhibition Stand Support: 

• What you'll do: You support the activities taking place at individual exhibition stands throughout the event. Each exhibitor provides you with a briefing in advance, explaining their activities, how they work and what kind of support is needed. During the event, you help facilitate these activities, engage with visitors and support the exhibitor in creating an interactive and welcoming experience. 
   
• What you bring: You're friendly, open and comfortable engaging with visitors, and you follow briefings and instructions reliably and attentively. An interest in science, research or innovation is a plus, and you're comfortable giving instructions or running short interactions and demonstrations. Good English and German are needed, along with a scientific background suited to your particular partner stand. 

Info Point 

• What you'll do: You are a central point of contact for visitors. You answer questions about Berlin Science Week, the programme, and different event locations, help visitors find their way around and connect them with the right people when needed. 
   
• What you bring: You're communicative, service-oriented and genuinely enjoy helping people, with a knack for keeping an overview even when things get busy. Strong German and English are a plus, and an interest in science and society helps too. 

Content Collection & Communications Support  

• What you'll do: You help document what is happening during selected events. This may include summarising content presented on stage, discussion highlights, observations, key moments or visitor testimonials. This is input that we can then use to communicate key take-aways or inspiring moments on social media shortly after the programme has ended. 
   
• What you bring: You're observant, reliable, and a good creative writer who can summarise information quickly and accurately. Some experience in event communication, science or science communication is helpful, and you're comfortable using a tablet. You should have a strong command of either German or English, and a background in academia or science is a plus. 

Questionnaire & Data Collection 

• What you'll do: You actively approach visitors and invite them to take part in short questionnaires, interactive formats or interviews. You collect visitor data, as well as their feedback, ideas and perspectives, and help capture them in a structured way. Your documentation helps the team evaluate the festival and contributes to science communication research. 
   
• What you bring: You're organised with a real eye for detail, observant and reliable, and comfortable approaching and talking to people. You're respectful of different perspectives, communicate well in German and English, and have an interest in science communication. 

Springer:  

• What you'll do: You are a flexible all-rounder supporting wherever help is needed. Tasks may include supporting programme activities, moving materials or assisting with event spaces. You help make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. 
   
• What you bring: You're flexible, reliable and hands-on, with a solution-oriented mindset. You're comfortable with some physical tasks like moving materials, you're a great team player, and you're happy to take on different tasks as they come up. 

To help you feel prepared and confident, we’ll host a short information session ahead of the festival. The mandatory 1-hour online briefing will take place on 29 October at 15:00-16:00. The session will be held in English and cover everything you need to know. Additional on-site briefings will be integrated into your shifts.

You’ll be working shifts between 5-9 November in our Festival Centre, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, depending on your availability. You will be asked about your availability and preferred roles during the application process, and shifts will be assigned to you upon selection. More information will be discussed during the briefing. No worries if you are not available for all 5 days; half-day time intervals are available. Standard shifts have a duration of 4 to 6 hours, but this can vary. 

All volunteers receive a Berlin Science Week t-shirt or hoodie to wear on duty — and to keep afterward!