The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is opening its doors for the Open Humboldt Festival. From 29th June to 2nd July 2022, it invites you to lectures, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, panel discussions and guided tours. This year, the festival reveals the interactions between crises of nature and challenges for democracy. The highlight and grand finale of this year’s Open Humboldt Festival is the Long Night of the Sciences on 2nd July 2022 from 5 pm to 12 pm.

One crisis comes on the heels of the next. The world has become complex. Yet, science offers solutions. During the Open Humboldt Festival and the Long Night of the Sciences, the Humboldt-Universität will present proposed solutions from research to some of the most pressing problems of our time – from water scarcity, environmental destruction and war to migration, the fraught legacy of colonialism and the erosion of democracy. Contributing one’s own thoughts and joining in the discussion is expressly desired.

Water is becoming more and more of a problem. Phases of unprecedented drought alternate with high waters and floods, including in Germany. The Open Humboldt Festival and Long Night of the Sciences address this unique element of the “blue planet” in several events: an exhibition depicts the artificial quarry lake as a place of biodiversity, a Kosmos Lecture puts forward attempts at solutions for water management, and the Mosse Lecture approaches the floods in North Rhine-Westphalia from the perspective of literature. Workshops and walkshops complement the programme.

The past is not over. How we recollect things has a major impact on our present. At the Humboldt-Universität, several initiatives test out how a different approach to the past can open up paths into the future. An exhibition reveals the university’s colonial past, a decolonial walking tour explores the impact that geographical names have, and the Du Bois Lecture reminds us of the influence of Black intellectuals in Berlin. A workshop shows the historical roots of racism – and how to limit its influence.

Universities are drivers of change and are continually channelling innovations into society. Startups play a special role here: university spin-offs harness the results of research on behalf of society. The HU plays a leading role in this throughout Germany. During the Long Night of the Sciences, “Made in HU” startups will present their solutions for sustainability, artificial intelligence, education and smart cities.

The Open Humboldt Festival is being held in the main building as well as in the open air in the Ehrenhof on Unter den Linden. Admission to all events is free (except for the Long Night of the Sciences). Registration is requested.

The full programme for the Open Humboldt Festival and the Long Night of the Sciences will be available here from 24th May 2022.