Common Ground
This year’s Berlin Science Week theme, Common Ground, was more relevant than ever. In a year marked by elections and increasing concerns about misinformation and polarisation, we invited participants to step out of their echo chambers, challenge their preconceptions, and embrace new perspectives.
The lively programme of events and exhibitions explored the intersections between disciplines to bring diverse viewpoints together and nurture a deeper understanding of our world. Participants joined us to celebrate the essential role of science in fostering a collaborative, cohesive, and informed society.
SHARE YOUR VISIONS
This year, for the first time, we invited you to share your thoughts and ideas around this year's guiding question, 'How can science help bridge divides?'. During the festival, you could submit and rate responses on our interactive online platform to contribute towards collective visions for the future. Our Future Canvas page was available from 1 - 10 November.
The platform is still accessible, and we encourage you to continue submitting your thoughts – even after the festival – to further contribute to this ongoing dialogue.
TEN FESTIVAL DAYS
Below, you find a selection of standout events that revolved around this year's theme.
1 & 2 Nov | from 12:00
Science Engagement: Discovering Common Ground
CAMPUS – Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Festival Hub of Berlin Science Week
Participants began their exploration into Common Ground at the bustling CAMPUS, where they discovered the people, stories, and ideas at the heart of science. They dived into exhibitions, experiments, and explorations across vast scientific topics, from the ethics of robots to the myths of the ocean and the questions of the universe.
3 Nov | 13:00 – 22:00
Opening & Vernissage: Exploring Common Ground
Science & Culture FORUM – Holzmarkt 25
Festival Hub of Berlin Science Week
Participants joined us to explore the Common Ground between Science & Culture at Holzmarkt 25. They were the first to discover the big ideas of the Tiny Galleries, got experimental in creative workshops, and encountered playful games, inspiring films, and intriguing fireside chats.
4 Nov | 16:00 - 19:00
Science Diplomacy: Negotiating Common Ground
German Arctic Office at Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Norwegian Embassy in Berlin
Participants discovered how climate protection and freedom could coexist. They engaged in discussions on regulation, sustainability, and the rights of future generations, then connected with experts in an intimate World Café session.
5 Nov | 17:00 - 20:00
Climate & Freedom: Debating Common Ground
Deutsches Klima-Konsortium, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Discover how climate protection and freedom can coexist. Engage in discussions on regulation, sustainability, and the rights of future generations, then connect with experts in an intimate World Café session.
6 Nov | 12:00 - 17:30
Healthy City: Designing Common Ground
Union der deutschen Akademien der Wissenschaften
Participants discovered how cities could foster health and well-being at the Akademientag. They engaged in interdisciplinary discussions on urban living and explored innovative ideas to create healthier urban environments.
7 Nov | 11:00 - 12:30
Decision Theater: Finding Common Ground
Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Arizona State University
Participants became decision makers for a day at Decision Theater©. They used real data to simulate futures for water management, local economies, and education systems. They balanced competing priorities and demands to create an ideal future for communities and found Common Ground.
8 Nov | 10:30 – 22:00
Art & Science Conference: Inspiring Common Ground
Science & Culture FORUM – Holzmarkt 25
Festival Hub of Berlin Science Week
Participants joined professionals working at the intersection of art and science for a celebration of how these fields could work in harmony to drive innovation, bridge divides, and build common ground. They were inspired by and connected with trailblazing practitioners, networked across disciplines, and found inspiration from our programme of interdisciplinary films and workshops.
9 & 10 Nov | from 12:00
Festival Weekend: Celebrating Common Ground
Science & Culture FORUM – Holzmarkt 25
Festival Hub of Berlin Science Week
Discover the synergy between art and science through workshops, film screenings and performances that celebrate the common ground between disciplines. Our eclectic programme brings many creative collaborations together to span vast topics and formats; from music in nature to the science of rave and speculative societies.