Events of the network of excellence
Berlin Science Week Campus: Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin
BUA@BerlinScienceWeek | @FW
The Berlin University Alliance takes you into the world of cutting-edge research in Berlin. At Berlin Science Week 2023 from November 1 to 10, 2023, and at Falling Walls Science Summit 2023 from November 7 to 9, 2023, you can learn how excellent science is created within the alliance of Freie Universität, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité - Universitätsmedizin.
Experience cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary dialogues live on stage in panel discussions, symposia and workshops of the Berlin University Alliance at Berlin Science Week 2023. Discover the latest approaches to cutting-edge research in the Berlin Knowledge Lab with personalities from science, business, media, arts and culture, politics and society.
Look forward to a week of inspiration and discovery with the Berlin University Alliance at Berlin Science Week 2023, November 1-10, 2023, and at Falling Walls Science Summit 2023, November 7-9, 2023.
BUA events
WED | NOV 01, 2023 | 2.30 - 6.30 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Panel discussion: Planetary Health. What can we learn from the multispecies city?
Prof. Antonio Mauro Saraiva, Prof. Dr. Sandra Jasper (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Dr. Ulrike Beisel (Freie Universität Berlin), Dr. Tullio da Silva Maia, Pia Rafalski, Dr. Jamie-Scott Baxter, Prof. Laura Kemmer, His Excellency Mr. Ambassador Roberto Jaguaribe, Prof. Dr. Christoph Schneider (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)
Planetary Health points us to how human health is no longer separable from the health of animals, plants, and ecosystems. As a concept, it urges us to understand how processes such as climate crisis, urbanization, habitat destruction, pollution and toxicity have repercussions on both the “natural” and “social” worlds. However, there has been only few occasions where the concept has been discussed in a transdisciplinary manner, between the natural and the social sciences.
Our event crosses the boundaries between biology and anthropology, engineering and urban studies. It unites established planetary health experts from Brazil with Berlin-based researchers exploring global health through a multispecies city lens. Join us and learn about the possibilities and limitations of translating “planetary health” for studies that scrutinize urban initiatives for improving human-environment relations. Together, we journey through the murky waters of sponge cities and lost rivers, and accompany mosquito warriors, oxygen boats, and rebellious riparians in their quest for “planetary healing”. The event includes a film screening and a networking session organized by the Berlin University Alliance.
PUBLIC DISCISSION IN THE EMBASSY OF BRAZIL.
Registration, livestream and more information on the Berlin Science Week website.
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WED | NOV 01, 2023 | 2.00 - 6.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Quantum Escape Challenge. Einstein Research Unit on Quantum Devices
Prof. Dr. Jannik Wolters (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt / Technische Universität Berlin), Elizabeth Robertson (Technische Universität Berlin), Alexander Erl, Inna Kviatkovsky (Technische Universität Berlin), Leon Messner (Technische Universität Berlin), Robert Richter, Benjamin Maass (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt / Technische Universität Berlin)
The Einstein Researech Unit "Quantum Devices" invites you to a unique science-oriented escape room. Here, everything revolves around exciting future quantum technologies. You are afraid of quantum physics? No problem! The game requires no scientific knowledge and is even suitable for school-age children. Solve exciting puzzles in groups of 3-5 people and get an insight into the latest research in quantum technology! Please plan 1 hour for the game.
EINSTEIN CENTER DIGITAL FUTURE, WILHELMSTRASSE 67, 10117 BERLIN
Registration and more information on the Berlin Science Week website.
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NOV 01-09, 2023 | 2.00 - 7.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Exhibition: Airbound. Sensing Collective Futures
"Matters of Activity. Image Space Material" and "Science of Intelligence" Clusters of Excellence.
The exhibition "Airbound" features climate fictions and speculative everyday scenarios – developed in an open process by collaborators from society, science, and design. Through speculative installations, "Airbound" provides space to discuss urgent geopolitical issues. At stake are the contested knowledge of the climate, the destructive use of joint resources, and the injustices that are inherently connected. Air is critically bound to these – as collective, active, and intelligent material.
EXHIBITION AT CLB BERLIN @AUFBAU HAUS, PRINZENSTRASSE 84.2, 10969 BERLIN
No registration required. Admission is free of charge. Information on accessibility and more on the Berlin Science Week website.
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NOV 01-10, 2023 | 3 - 7.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Art & Science Forum @Holzmarkt 25
In collaboration with Holzmarkt 25, an ART & SCIENCE FORUM is being created as part of Berlin Science Week, dedicated to the interface between scientific research and artistic practice.
Themed "Dare to Know: Creative Science, Precise Art", it will highlight the fruitful interaction between artistic practice and scientific diligence, and the ways in which this can create new avenues of knowledge and understanding. The FORUM opens on NOVEMBER 01 with a celebratory VERNISSAGE and will be open through NOVEMBER 10. Visitors can join the conversation and be inspired by science slams, comedy shows, concerts and experimental multi-sensory performances. There will also be temporary exhibitions where artists and scientists show the results of their joint work.
FORUM AS PART OF BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK, HOLZMARKT 25
For more information, please visit the Berlin Science Week website.
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THU | NOV 02, 2023 | 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Brain Roads
Prof. Hugues Duffau, PhD (Universitätsklinik Montpellier) mit Prof. Olaf Avenati (École Supérieure d’Art et de Design Reims), Prof. Dr. Jürgen P. Rabe (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Dr. Patricia Ribault (Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin), Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Horst Bredekamp (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Dr. Thomas Picht (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)
French professor of neuro-oncology Hugues Duffau is famous for operating on low-grade gliomas while awake with very little technique. His methodology involves a complex mix of techniques, disciplines and experiments based on the concept of neuroplasticity, limited use of medical imaging in the operating room and dynamic mapping of the different regions of the central nervous system. He will present his research in dialogue with researchers from the Adaptive Digital Twin and Sensing Knife project (Cutting group) of the Matters of Activity Cluster of Excellence, as well as students from two art and design schools (École Supérieure d'Art et de Design in Reims, France, and Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin) who have created visual interpretations of his ideas and working methods
PUBLIC CONFERENCE AT THE ANIMAL ANATOMIC THEATER OF THE HUMBOLDT UNIVERSITY OF BERLIN, CAMPUS NORD, HAUS 3, PHILIPPSTRASSE 13, 10115 Berlin
Registration and further information on the website of the Berlin Science Week.
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FRI | NOV 03, 2023 | 8.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Postdoc Day Berlin 2023
Max-Delbrück Zentrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin University Alliance, Freie Universität Berlin, Leibniz Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Berlin PostDoc Day 2023 (#PDD23) is an annual event organized by a team of Berlin PostDocs with heterogeneous affiliations (MDC, FMP, FHI, Charité and BAM). This year, the event will take place on November 2 and 3 as part of Berlin Science Week and is open to all final year PostDocs and PhD students working in all disciplines in the Berlin area. The event will be held in person. Thr PDD23 is a great opportunity to network with your peers and present your work. Submit an abstract for a chance to win the "Best Pitch Talk" or "Best Poster Presentation" award!
PUBLIC EVENT AT THE HUMBOLDT GRADUATE SCHOOL, LUISENSTRASSE 56, 10117 BERLIN
Registration and more information on the Berlin Science Week website.
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FR | NOV 03, 2023 | 2.00 - 3.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Panel Discussion at Science Week: Erosion of Democracy? Academic Freedom and Right-Wing Politics in Europe
Associate Professor Tarik Abou-Chadi, PhD (University of Oxford / Einstein BUA Oxford Visiting Fellow) and Dr. Kriszta Kovács (Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin / Exzellenzcluster SCRIPTS) discuss with Matthias Koch (ZEIT-Stiftung)
Europe has long called itself a stronghold of democracy. However, the significant increase of populism, authoritarianism, and right-wing politics on a global level has not stopped on its borders: Across Europe, right-wing movements and parties influence political discourse at both national and international levels, endangering democratic principles, such as fair elections, separation of powers, or freedom of speech. This has led to changes not only in the political landscapes of many countries, but also in the field of academia. Attacks on academic freedom have increased, restrictions and limitations on what to research are being established. In, for instance, Hungary, the so-called Orbanization of University is underway.
What effect had the rise of right-wing politics on the state of academic freedom and democracy in Europe? What are the factors that have contributed to the increase of right-wing movements and far-right ideologies taking hold? What are potential strategies that could help curb the spread of right-wing populist ideologies to strengthen democratic principles?
PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK CAMPUS, MUSEUM FÜR NATURKUNDE BERLIN.
Accessibility: Information about the physical accessibility of the Museum of Natural History can be found here.
Live streaming will be available. For more information, please visit the Berlin Science Week website.
Admission is free.
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FRI | NOV 03, 2023 | 4:00 - 5.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
The second Quantum Revolution (Die zweite Quantenrevolution)
Lecture (in German) by Prof. Dr. Jens Eisert (Einstein Research Unit "Quantum Devices")
What are quantum computers suitable for and how will they look like? The talk offers a short round trip through this exciting topic, which is being promoted by an Einstein Research Unit in the Berlin area these days.
PUBLIC LECTURE AT BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK, FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN, ARNIMALLEE 14, 14195 BERLIN
Accessibility: The venue is barrier-free accessible.
Registration is not necessary. Admission is free.
For more information, please visit the Berlin Science Week website.
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FRI | NOV 03, 2023 | from 6.15 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Panel discussion with reception: The Impact of Diversity on Research Quality: Exploring the Knowledge Gap
Prof. Dr. Marietta Auer (Vizepräsidentin der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft / Max-Planck-Institut für Rechtsgeschichte und Rechtstheorie / Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen), Prof. Dr. Isolde Karle (Ruhr-Universität Bochum), Prof. Dr. Gertraud (Turu) Stadler (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Lydia Rhyman, PhD (Global Young Academy / University of Mauritius), Tracey L. Weissgerber (Berlin Institute of Health an der Charité – Universitätsmedizin)
Greater biodiversity enhances stability and robustness in ecosystems, species, and individuals. However, the question arises: do similar principles apply to the research ecosystem? Despite numerous programs, statements, and discussions advocating for increased diversity in academia, empirical data and evidence on the effects of diversity on research quality remain limited. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning given the entrenched biases within the research system and persistently low levels of diversity in academia across dimensions such as gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
This initiative is made possible through the partnership of the Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research, the BIH QUEST Center for Responsible Research, the Berlin University Alliance, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Together, we aim to shed light on the multifaceted relationship between academic diversity and research quality, thereby propelling the advancement of robust scientific practices.
PUBLIC DISCUSSIOIN ON BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK CAMPUS, MUSEUM FÜR NATURKUNDE BERLIN.
Accessibility: Information about the physical accessibility of the Museum of Natural History can be found here.
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FRI | NOV 03, 2023 | 6.15 - 7:15 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Short Talk: In Future # Wealth and In.Equality (German)
Journalist Adrian Schulz asks Martyna B. Linartas (Cluster of Excellence "Contestations of the Liberal Script" SCRIPTS).
What can be done about wealth inequality in liberal democracies, which are inheritance societies rather than merit societies? In this conversation with Martyna B. Linartas and journalist Adrian Schulz, we explore the challenges of wealth inequality in liberal democracies, which often inherit wealth rather than reward merit.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION AT BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK CAMPUS, MUSEUM FÜR NATURKUNDE BERLIN
For more information, visit the Berlin Science Week website.
Accessibility: Information about the physical accessibility of the Museum für Naturkunde can be found here.
Admission is free.
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FRI | NOV 03, 2023 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Science Slam – Clear the Stage for Science
Berlin Clusters of Excellence: Johannes Heß & Tobias Klee (Contestations of the Liberal Script, SCRIPTS), Myriam Karimian, Benjamin Lang (both Science of Intelligence, SCIoI), Guillermo Olicon Mendez (The Berlin Mathematics Research Center MATH+), Ramprasad Misra (Unifying Systems in Catalysis, UniSysCat), Emma Sicher (Matters of Activity. Image Space Material), Gilberto Solorza Buenrostro, Tania Fernandez del Valle Alquicira (NeuroCure)
Slammin’ like there’s no tomorrow – at our cluster science slam, scientists try everything to entertain their audience, regardless of whether the subject is e.g. mathematics, neuroscience or active material. The sky is the limit when it comes to what’s possible. Costumes, props, movies, PowerPoint presentations or other experimental setups – it is all allowed. Only time sets the limits – every slammer will have ten minutes at most. And the audience will decide which presentation is best
PUBLIC EVENT AT "SÄÄLCHEN", HOLZMARKTSTRASSE 25, 10243 BERLIN
For more information, please visit the Berlin Science Week website.
Registration is not required. Admission is free.
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SAT | NOV 04, 2023 | 1.30 - 3.00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Workshop Transdisciplinarity meets improvisation theatre: Narratives of water
The workshop will be led by Luise Grell, Aldo Spahiu, Wiebke Hahn and Dr. Ina Opitz (Berlin University Alliance).
Are you keen to learn about improvisational theater techniques and try them out for yourself? In the workshop of #Berlinforschtmit of the Berlin University Alliance you have the chance to approach the topic of water in a playful and creative way: Expression of the global climate crisis or the commons of the future? What narratives will you develop together with other participants? In the workshop, you will learn about principles of improvisational theater and how they are used in transdisciplinary research.
The workshop will be held in German. The number of participants is limited. Please register at citizenforum@berlin-university-alliance.de. Participation is free of charge.
PUBLIC EVENT ON BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK CAMPUS, EXPERIMENTIERFELD.
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SAT | NOV 04, 2023 | 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Panel discussion: Disruption in Chemistry
GreenCHEM: Martin Rahmel und Stephanie Malchow
The event "Disruption in Chemistry" by GreenCHEM, a project of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin together with industry partners, will inform participants about innovations, sustainability and start-ups in redesigning chemicals, materials, processes and products for a more sustainable world.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION AT BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK CAMPUS, MUSEUM FÜR NATURKUNDE BERLIN.
For more information, visit the Berlin Science Week website.
Accessibility: information about the physical accessibility of the Museum für Naturkunde can be found here.
Admission is free.
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SUN | NOV 05, 2023 | 3.00 - 7:00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
River Stories | Flussgeschichten
Experimental Lab AnthropoScenes
Installation and event at the Art-Science Forum as part of the Berlin Science Week.
Over the past months, artists, scientists and residents have explored a small village in the middle of the Spreewald between rivers, barges and trees. Their research resulted in a two-day Art and Science Festival in the small village of Raddusch. This resulted in multimedia installations, performances and audio walks. The works, stories, ideas and impressions were then transported to Berlin. And this with the help of the actor that connects the Spreewald with the capital - the Spree.
But what does it mean to bring these impressions and representations to another? Which stories are heard and which are lost? How can one - beyond the anthropocentric perspective - also include non-human actors?
In the installation 'Flussgeschichten | River Stories' artists from the fields of theater, sound and stage design as well as scientists from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), Technische Universität Berlin (TU) and Freie Universität Berlin (FU) deal with these questions, the river and all its dimensions.
The project is a cooperation of the theater collective AnthroposEx and the experimental laboratory AnthropoScenes and is funded by the Berlin University Alliance within the framework of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments.
For more information, visit the Berlin Science Week website.
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WED | NOV 08, 2023 | 09.00 - 10:00 a.m. BERLIN TIME
Falling Walls Round Table: Challenges and Best Practices of Ageing Societies Worldwide
Berlin University Alliance, Universität Oxford, Falling Walls Foudation, Staatssekretär für Wissenschaft und Forschung Dr. Henry Marx (Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Gesundheit und Pflege), Prof. Melinda Mills (Universität Oxford), Diana Rothe (Universität der Künste Berlin), Prof. Irene Tracey, PhD (Universität Oxford), Prof. Dr. Elke Schäffner (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Robot Romi
Population aging is a global phenomenon that affects both developing and developed countries. From social isolation and loneliness to economic impacts and pressures on health systems, increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates are leading to a variety of challenges that affect society as a whole. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes government and health policies, social services, community initiatives, intergenerational collaboration, and technological innovation. As with all global challenges, the transnational approach, including sharing best practices, holds particular promise.
The panel discussion will bring together speakers from Berlin and Oxford to address the challenges of a rapidly aging society and identify potential solutions and approaches to address the consequences in a transdisciplinary manner.
Supported by the Berlin University Alliance and the University of Oxford.
DISCUSSION AS PART OF THE FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMIT 2023 AND BERLIN SCIENCE WEEK AT RADIALSYSTEM, GLASSFRONT TENT, HOLZMARKTSTRASSE 33, 10243 BERLIN.
For more information, please visit the Falling Walls Science Summit website.
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WED | NOV 08, 2023 | 10.00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Threads: Localities & Temporalities of a Fiber Bio-economy
Prof. Dr. Lucy Norris, Hannah Wiesener (both Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin), Dr. Khashayar Razgandhi (Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung)
The goal of the event is to create a meeting space for a wide range of stakeholders - researchers, designers, entrepreneurs, urban and rural activists, planters, recyclers, and policy makers - where participants will engage with the bioeconomy of natural fibers and explore the intricacies of its local and temporal dynamics. The event is a call to action for anyone interested in tackling the hard problems of building sustainable circular economies! Researchers, practitioners, experts, businesses, and activists each have their own perspectives and different approaches to shaping material sustainability at different scales, creating new material ecologies, and implementing system-wide change that will come together.
PUBLIC EVENT AT THE CLUSTER OF EXCELLENCE "MATTERS OF ACTIVITY", SOPHIENSTRASSE 22A, 10178 BERLIN
Registration and further information.
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WED | NOV 08, 2023 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Queen's Lecture 2023
Britisch Embassy, British Council, Technische Universität Berlin, Prof. Dr. Winfried Hensinger (University of Sussex)
This year's Queen's Lecture will take place on November 8, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the Audimax of TU Berlin as part of Berlin Science Week. Prof. Winfried Hensinger from the University of Sussex will speak on the topic "Constructing the world's most incredible machines: Quantum Computers".
PUBLIC LECTURE AT THE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY BERLIN, STRASSE DES 17. JUNI, 10623 BERLIN, ROOM H2038
Registration and further information.
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WED | NOV 08, 2023 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. BERLIN TIME
Open Space: Active Matter on Stage
Cluster of Excellence "Matters of Activity"
What can we learn from the inherent structures of materials? What would this mean for design, architecture, technology, medicine and daily life? Would it be possible to make almost everything from a few, mostly organic materials? And last but not least: What other ideas, conceptions and speculations about nature, culture, design, gender or politics are connected to the notion of active matter? This is what the Cluster of Excellence "Matters of Activity" would like to get into conversation about during its Open Space in the form of workshops and practical exercises.
PUBLIC EVENT AT THE CLUSTER OF EXCELLENCE "MATTERS OF ACTIVITY", SOPHIENSTRASSE 22A, 10178 BERLIN
Registration and further information.
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FRI | NOV 10, 2023 | 9:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. BERLIN TIME
2 Years of Sustain.ALL
Sustain.All Lab – Technische Universität Berlin, Einstein Center Digital Future
Sustain.ALL offers a unique opportunity to meet more than 15 inspiring SDG projects that have emerged in the collaborative lab over the past two years. The event aims to showcase the extraordinary synergy between passionate students, dedicated project partners and renowned academic researchers and supervisors.
PUBLIC EVENT AT EINS, BERLIN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, ERNST-REUTER-PLATZ 1, 10587 BERLIN
Registration and further information.
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