Inspiring Science Talks
Take the stage and share the ideas shaping the future of science.
To mark the 10th anniversary of Berlin Science Week, we are shining a spotlight on outstanding new voices across disciplines. We invite researchers and innovators to present their work in short, powerful talks at the CAMPUS (Museum für Naturkunde) and connect with a curious, engaged audience eager for fresh insights and inspiring breakthroughs.
Applications are open from 6 May to 31 July 2025. Selected speakers will receive preparatory training, and a participation fee will apply. Full application details below.
THE INSPIRATION STAGE
1 – 2 November 2025
This curated programme on the Inspiration Stage highlights the latest and most exciting discoveries from across fields – ranging from mathematics and biology to sociology and history. These quick-fire talks allow passionate scientists to share their cutting-edge research and projects, inspire the audience and answer their most pressing questions.
Talks are aimed at an interdisciplinary, non-specialist audience passionate about science, discovery, and the future of knowledge, fully in line with this year’s festival theme BEYOND NOW.
WHO CAN APPLY
We invite researchers from all fields to apply. Each selected speaker has 12 minutes on the Inspiration Stage to present their research. The talks are curated by the Berlin Science Week Team and will be grouped thematically into 2-hour sessions. Selected speakers are required to contribute a participation fee of 750 €, which covers full stage support, access to a preparatory public speaking workshop, and an invitation to the exclusive Berlin Science Week Opening Event. We encourage applicants to seek institutional backing.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
We look forward to receiving your application! Please follow these steps carefully:
- Make sure your contribution reflects our Guiding Principles.
- Secure financial support before submitting your application.
- Click Apply Now to access and complete the Registration Form.
TIMELINE
Here’s a quick overview of the key deadlines for your application and participation:
- Application Deadline: 31 July
- Notification of Acceptance: by End of August
- Preparatory Workshop: October
- CAMPUS Dates: 1–2 November
We look forward to receiving your proposals!
FAQS
We’re looking for inspiring research work that combines strong research with clear, engaging communication. Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Scientific quality of the project
- Relevance to contemporary scientific, societal, or cultural challenges
- Clear connection to this year’s festival theme, “BEYOND NOW”
- Clarity of communication and the potential to engage a broad, non-specialist audience
We especially welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, and voices traditionally underrepresented in public science communication.
We are seeking passionate researchers and innovators eager to present their cutting-edge work in an engaging and accessible way.
We invite applications from individuals across all fields of science and research — from mathematics and biology to sociology and history — who are ready to inspire a curious audience through quick-fire talks and interactive discussions.
We value presentations that are dynamic, thought-provoking, and capable of sparking lively dialogue with the audience.