Under the title ‘Hands-on Science’, the Humboldt Labor on the first floor of the Humboldt Forum will open its doors on 11 July 2026 from 11 am to 6 pm. The programme includes a film screening, “Meet the Scientist” talks, a special edition of “#Logoskop”, short guided tours of the “On Water” exhibition, and the children’s and family workshop “WasserGestalten”.
At “Meet the Scientist”, agroecologist Marcel Robischon and musicologist Sebastian Klotz will offer insights into their research and engage in conversation with the audience. A special edition of the popular poetry slam format #Logoskop combines science and language. Curated by slam poet Bas Böttcher, slam poets Dominique Macri and Johannes Berger (aka YUNUS) will jointly comment on the current ‘On Water’ exhibition with texts performed live. Anyone wishing to find out how an exhibition comes about can explore key questions, background information and perspectives on the current “On Water” exhibition in three short themed guided tours led by members of the curatorial team. Children and families have the opportunity to make water creatures from recycled materials in the “WasserGestalten” workshop.
The Humboldt Labor
These formats exemplify the Humboldt Laboratory’s ethos: it not only imparts knowledge but also creates spaces for exchange, questions and participation. Since 20 July 2021, the Humboldt Laboratory has been a vibrant hub for dialogue between science and the public. Over the past five years, more than 372,000 people have visited it. It has successfully established itself as an extracurricular learning venue, a workshop for ideas and an important space for the lively exchange of knowledge between the university and the public. “The Humboldt Laboratory is a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary research, societal perspectives and dialogue on an equal footing,” says Prof. Dr Julia von Blumenthal, President of Humboldt University of Berlin, on the occasion of its fifth anniversary.
Diverse formats, participation and strong networks
In addition to exhibitions, the multifunctional exhibition space regularly hosts workshops, lectures, panel discussions and artistic performances on current research topics. Here, unlike in a lecture theatre, researchers can explore new ways and opportunities to engage with the public. For instance, at “Meet the Scientist”, visitors gain insights into everyday research life. Formats such as the ‘#Logoskop’ offer a poetic approach to science. School and family workshops, as well as the Children’s University lectures, address current topics in an age-appropriate manner. Exhibition content is developed collaboratively – for example, through new future scenarios for Berlin’s Lustgarten. Furthermore, the Humboldt Laboratory thrives on strong collaborations – both within the scientific community, such as the current partnership with the SCRIPTS Cluster of Excellence, and with non-academic partners such as the Neukölln Opera and the inclusive Ramba Zamba Theatre.
Exhibition “On Water. Water Knowledge in Berlin”
The current exhibition “On Water. WasserWissen in Berlin” by the Berlin University Alliance – the network of excellence comprising Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – features more than 50 scientists and six artists to demonstrate just how diverse research into water can be. It showcases research and art projects that explore water from different perspectives. There are also activities such as water walks along the Spree Island or workshops in which school classes tackle social issues relating to water and climate change.
At a glance
- When: 11 July 2026, 11.00–18.00
- Where: Humboldt Labor at the Humboldt Forum, Schloßplatz, 10178 Berlin