Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

10 days, 8 events, more than 700 visitors – that is the successful outcome of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin’s (HU) participation in the Berlin Science Week 2017. This year’s key element of the HU-programme was anew the Next Frontier Debates, where researchers at the HU Berlin exchanged views on socially relevant research topics and perspectives with actors in science, politics and civil society. Academic researchers gave a clear insight to the interested public into their research on the integration of refugees into the labour market at the kick-off Next Frontier Debate „Refugees with Résumés“. The second Next Frontier Debate „At the Melting Point“ just as well demonstrated the extent to which significant scientific findings are contributing to current and future challenges, where representatives from science and practice discussed how climate change can be curbed in a sustainable manner.

The HU Berlin was this year’s host of the MINT-Lecture „Artificial Intelligence – Kaleidoscope of Possibilities“ of the Berliner MINT-Verbunds Deutschlandstipendien. The lecture focussed on research perspectives, the applicability, and the risks of artificial intelligence. The exchange of expertise was also central to the Adlershofer Forschungsforum. For the fourth time, the on-site conference brought together researchers and entrepreneurs at the Campus Adlershof. Nobel Prize winner Prof W.E. Moerner held the keynote speech, and junior scientists presented their research.

Besides presenting important research priorities of the HU Berlin, two events focussed on the future of research and teaching. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Humboldt-Universität Foundation, panellists discussed under the headline „Challenges for Europe – the role of the universities“ how universities can and must contribute to make Europe extricate from its crisis and become sustainable again. As part of a scientific out-of-school lab the UniLab Adlershof demonstrated innovative teaching approaches at a very practical level. Within the framework of Berlin Science Week a German-English language physics-UniLab took place for the first time.

Finally, the Berlin Science Communication Day reflected new forms of knowledge transfer. In the form of a barcamp, experts in the field of science journalism and science communication exchanged ideas on how science can be best conveyed. The Exhibition on Evolutionary Biology „Appealing to the Populous“ also bridged science and the general public. Designed by Art Science Exhibits, the exhibition was showcased in the premises of the Faculty of Life Sciences and the University Library of the HU Berlin. Artists from around the world put their view of the evolution of science on display, and called for a stronger interaction between artists and scientific communities.

All events were very well attended. Following this success, the HU Berlin will take part in the Berlin Science Week again next year. More information will be provided on this website in due course.

You will find some impressions of the Berlin Science Week @ HU 2017 in the picture gallery.