Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) will once again be offering a wide range of public lectures during the summer semester of 2026. Some lectures can also be attended online. Some of the lectures will be delivered in English. Admission is free.
Philosophy for All!
From 24 to 26 April, the student initiative Öffentliche Philosophie Berlin is organising the lecture series “Philosophy for Everyone!” for the third time. Students from all over Germany will present their socially relevant research and discuss it with an audience of philosophers and the general public. Prof. Robin Celikates, FU Berlin, and Prof. Kristina Lepold, HU Berlin, will deliver keynote speeches.
At a glance
- When: 24 to 26 April 2026
- Where: Grimm-Zentrum, Foyer, Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 1-3, 10117 Berlin
- Further information: Programme
LIVING WITH RISK – between chance, providence and calculation in the ancient world
How did people in antiquity deal with risks? Whether illness, natural disasters, war, economic dependencies or religious interpretations – the Ancient World was characterised by uncertainties that had to be recognised, interpreted and overcome. The lecture examines how dangers were anticipated, knowledge gathered and strategies developed to mitigate risks. It demonstrates that earlier societies also faced challenges similar to those we face today. The public lecture series is organised by the Berlin College of Classics, a network for classical studies of which HU is a member, and Freie Universität Berlin.
At a glance
- When: from 14 April 2026, Tuesdays, 6.15 pm
- Where: Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin,
Lecture Theatre 1b (Rostlaube) and online - Further information: Livestream and programme
Digital History – Current Developments and New Approaches
In the summer semester of 2026, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Technical University of Berlin and the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Research are jointly launching an international programme that examines key questions in digital history from a variety of perspectives. The event combines a colloquium and a public lecture series, covering a spectrum ranging from the history of digitisation through computational history to public history. The focus is on current developments, methodological approaches and global perspectives – including contributions from Europe, Latin America and Asia. With international guests, the colloquium offers a platform for exchange on digital history.
At a glance
- When: from 15 April 2026, Wednesdays, 4–6 pm
- Where: online and occasionally in a hybrid format
- Registration via email for online access
- Further information: See the programme
Feminist Philosophy
This public lecture series offers an insight into key questions, positions and methods in feminist philosophy. It explores areas such as political philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and critically analyses the interplay between gender relations, power and social inequality. The aim is to develop fairer and better forms of knowledge production, theory-building and coexistence.
As part of the public lecture series, feminist philosophers present current research projects. The lectures are held in German or English and are aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students from all disciplines, as well as the interested public.
The series is organised by Prof. Dr Kristina Lepold in collaboration with the Feminist Philosophy Working Group.
At a glance
- When: from 15 April 2026, Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 noon,
- Where: Main building of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin, Lecture Theatre 2094 (1st floor)
- Further information: Programme
Ecological conflicts
The tide has turned: whilst for a brief moment it seemed as though a major ecological transformation of society might yet succeed, climate policy ambitions are currently being scaled back and, in some cases, openly opposed. In the lecture series “Ecological Conflicts”, leading social scientists shed light on these sometimes heated debates: What dynamics and strategies shape the conflicts surrounding ecological transformation? Is the situation for climate policy ambitions really as bleak as it seems to some? And how can modern society adapt to ecological crises? These questions are at the heart of the series, to which the Gerda Henkel Research Group “Ecological Conflicts” led by Vincent August and André Brodocz cordially invites you.
At a glance
- When: from 20 April 2026, Mondays, 11 May, 1 June, 22 June, 4 pm
- Where: Dorotheenstraße 26, 10117 Berlin, Room 208
- Further information: About the “Ecological Conflicts” research group