A EUROPEAN SUMMIT

 

FREEDOM OF
RESEARCH

 

5.11. – 6.11.2025 | AACHEN

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VISION

Our freedom and democracy are under threat. Our Summit serves as a place for reflection and foresight. We aim to bring together people from various backgrounds from all across Europe, fostering connections with thought leaders, and addressing pressing issues that will define Europe’s future.

Freedom, in all its dimensions, is a core European value and right. The freedom of research is vital for fostering innovation, expanding knowledge, and securing Europe’s future in times of division. Today, our continent faces complex challenges – ranging from political polarization and geopolitical tensions to economic disparities and environmental divides. How can we navigate these challenges and create a resilient framework for future developments?

OUR TOPICS

Freedom of Research
The freedom to conduct research is a fundamental European value, crucial for fostering innovation, advancing knowledge, and sustaining Europe's global competitiveness. Recent political and social tensions have increasingly threatened this freedom. How can we navigate these challenges and protect this essential value?

Our Summit aims to explore strategies for building a robust academic community that aligns with European principles and supports democratic governance and societal benefit. We seek to strengthen Europe's position as a competitive and sovereign actor while upholding the ideals of academic freedom.
Future of Europe
With the Summit, we aim to highlight key issues today that will be of immense importance for Europe and the EU tomorrow. What should Europe look like in the future? What priorities do we want to set? And how can we protect and strengthen European values while advancing European integration? How free are we in directing our focus, driving innovation, and shaping the future of Europe?

As uncertainties regarding the future of Europe mount and the call for transparency and public discourse grows louder than ever, we seek to engage a broad audience to discuss current and future challenges.
Times of Division
Europe stands at a crossroads: Political polarization, disinformation, and social fragmentation threaten the cohesion of our continent. National interests clash, while external crises put increasing pressure on our democracies. At the same time, science is under strain – facing targeted disinformation, political interference, and restrictions on academic freedom. How can we uphold shared values, safeguard scientific exchange, and strengthen trust in European institutions in times of division? Our summit will explore these pressing questions and seek ways to build bridges – between nations, generations, and social groups, as well as between politics, business, and science.
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PROGRAM 2025

Coronation Hall, Aachen Town Hall
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WEDNESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2025
Time: TBD
Languages: English and German (with live interpretation)
Free admission, no registration required

Details coming soon

SuperC, RWTH Aachen University
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SYMPOSIUM

THURSDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2025
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Languages: English and German (with live interpretation)
Registration requested

Details coming soon

APOLLO Kino & Bar, Aachen
03

Stand-up-FoR-Science

THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2025
Time: TBD
Languages: German, English
Free admission, no registration required

Details coming soon

 
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WHY PARTICIPATE?

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ABOUT US

The Summit is jointly organized by the Charlemagne Prize Foundation and RWTH Aachen University’s Knowledge Hub and Käte Hamburger Kolleg: Cultures of Research (co/re). We invite you to Aachen for a summit focused on the crucial role of freedom in scientific, cultural, social, and political contexts. With a program that includes a late-night event, an all-day symposium, an art exhibition, and a festive evening, the summit will bring together researchers, policymakers, representatives of business, media, culture and the public to exchange ideas and develop strategies for strengthening academic freedom, fostering a resilient European community that champions democratic governance and societal benefit, and connect fresh perspectives and innovative solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

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IMPRESSIONS