In an era of rapid technological progress and global challenges, innovation holds the power to address critical social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues. The Oxford-Berlin 2025 Symposium, Innovation: Pathways to Societal Impact, will explore how innovation across disciplines can drive transformative change. 

Organized by the University of Oxford and the Berlin University Alliance, this conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders to discuss translating ideas into solutions with measurable societal impact. The event will spotlight case studies and research that advance sustainable development, social equity, and human well-being, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and practical pathways for change. 

As the UK and Germany seek to strengthen bilateral ties amid global shifts, innovation is a mutual priority. The symposium will examine how governmental policies, and international partnerships can drive solutions to shared challenges such as climate change, social equity, and economic resilience. Special emphasis will be placed on successful collaborations between the developing and established ecosystems of research, exchange and collaboration between Oxford and Berlin.  

By integrating insights from Oxford’s Humanities Division, TORCH, and the Berlin University Alliance, the symposium will emphasize creative approaches that connect innovation to the human experience, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in addressing global challenges. 

The symposium also highlights the role of start-ups, incubators, and spinouts in creating societal impact. Initiatives like UNITE Berlin, Oxford University Innovation, and the Berlin University Alliance’s Science and Startups Initiative will feature prominently, showcasing how academic research is translated into impactful ventures. Discussions will explore how these initiatives bridge academia and industry, demonstrating best practices in collaboration and innovation for the public good.