Berlin Science Week

One of Europe's most important science festivals

Berlin Science Week was launched in 2016 and has since become one of Europe's most significant science festivals. Every November, it brings together researchers, artists, students, pupils, and a broad audience to make science tangible — beyond traditional lectures. Hundreds of thousands of people from Berlin and Brandenburg, along with international guests, participate in the events.

Motto 2026: "In Touch"

The eleventh edition is under the motto "In Touch" — the personal side of science. How does research affect our lives? Who are the people behind the discoveries? How do we create connections between science and society? Programs range from citizen science to major discourse events with international Nobel laureates.

Festival Centre 2026: Haus der Kulturen der Welt

For the first time in 2026, the Festival Centre will move to the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) in Tiergarten — one of West Berlin's most iconic architectural landmarks, with its characteristic curved roof, known as the "Pregnant Oyster." From November 6th to 8th, 2026, over 120 program items will be gathered here: talks, performances, workshops, the curated Art & Science program, a late-night festival on Saturday evening, and a Family Sunday on November 8th.

Citywide: over 200 partner organizations

In addition to the central Festival Centre, hundreds of events are spread across the entire city — from Adlershof to Dahlem to Mitte. Major Berlin research institutions (Charité, Helmholtz, Max Planck, Fraunhofer, Leibniz Institutes), Berlin universities (HU, FU, TU, UdK), museums (Museum of Natural History, Humboldt Forum), libraries (Staatsbibliothek), foundations, and independent initiatives are involved. International partners from science and diplomacy are also participating.

What happens at Berlin Science Week?

• Talks and panels with researchers, politicians, and civil society on current topics (climate, AI, health, democracy)
• City walks and tours ("Science Walks") through Berlin's scientific history sites
• Live podcasts with well-known science formats
• Exhibitions in museums and temporary spaces
• Performances and concerts at the intersection of science and art
• Open Lab Days: research institutions open their doors
• Family Sunday on November 8th at HKW: program for children and families

Falling Walls Foundation as organizer

The Falling Walls Foundation gGmbH was founded in Berlin in 2009 and organizes both the Berlin Science Week and the annual Falling Walls Conference. Both formats trace their origins back to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 — as a metaphor for "tearing down" scientific and societal barriers. Berlin Science Week is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Science, Health, and Care.