A EUROPEAN SUMMIT
FREEDOM OF
RESEARCH
5.11. – 6.11.2025 | AACHEN
Days
Hours
Minutes
VISION
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
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.
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.
PROGRAM 2025
Coronation Hall, Aachen Town Hall
01
WEDNESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2025
Languages: English and German (with live interpretation)
Registration requested
The FoR Summit 2025 will open with a celebratory evening in the historic Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall. Featuring thought-provoking keynote speeches, the event will launch a conversation on freedom of research and the role of knowledge in shaping Europe’s future. The evening will culminate in a special highlight: the formal presentation of this year’s Charlemagne Prize Academy Fellowships.
Join us for a celebratory dinner as we welcome a new cohort of visionary thinkers and set the tone for two days of dialogue, ideas, and inspiration at the heart of Europe.
Generali Saal, SuperC, RWTH Aachen University
02
SYMPOSIUM
THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2025
Language: English
Registration requested
What does it mean to think, speak, and research freely in a Europe that feels increasingly fragmented? In a time marked by political tensions, disinformation, and social divides, academic freedom touches on some of the most pressing questions of our time: Who gets to shape knowledge? Which voices are heard? And how can science help reconnect what is drifting apart?
We invite you to a conference of open debate and fresh perspectives at the intersection of science, politics, and society. Renowned scholars, young researchers, thinkers, and decision-makers from across Europe will share ideas, offer personal insights, and discuss the future of research and its role in tomorrow’s Europe.
Through TED-style talks, panel conversations, and interactive formats, this Symposium offers space not only to listen but to engage. Whether you are curious about global challenges, passionate about democratic values, or simply interested in what drives today’s most urgent debates, you will find a place here. Students, researchers, journalists, and citizens are all welcome.
The event takes place in the Generali Saal at RWTH Aachen University’s SuperC.
APOLLO Kino & Bar, Aachen
03
Stand-Up FoR Science
THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2025
Languages: German, English
Free admission, no registration required
Political polarization, disinformation, and social fragmentation – at a time when global crises seem to widen the gaps between generations, communities, and countries, we are left asking: How deep do these divides truly run? And what resources, historical, cultural, or civic, might help us to overcome them?
We invite you to join us for an entertaining and insightful evening of thought-provoking exchange with guests and artists from across Europe. Whether you wish to listen, engage, or be inspired, we look forward to welcoming you to the Apollo.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Our primary goal is to create a platform for young people to get in touch with decision-makers on a professional and personal level, and to foster sustainable cross-border collaboration and exchange of ideas and visions. The Summit, therefore, serves as a venue for open dialogue, facilitating freedom in research and knowledge transfer. Whether it is during a dance performance, strolling through the art exhibition at C.A.R.L., engaging in discussions with panelists at our Symposium, participating in an interactive lunch break, or joining roundtable conversations with representatives from business, academia, and politics, we aim to offer diverse opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds to connect.
DISCOVER AACHEN
Aachen, renowned for its rich history and vibrant academic atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for this gathering of minds. Situated in the heart of the tri-border region and close to Brussels, Aachen embodies the spirit of Europe, facilitating transnational exchange and networking. This is further enhanced by the presence of RWTH Aachen University, a hub of excellence and innovation, as well as the city’s thriving startup scene and its deep-rooted tradition of creativity and free thought. With various event formats taking place at different locations throughout the city, both locals and visitors will have much to explore during our Summit.
INTERACTIVE FORMATS
Our Summit offers a diverse range of experiences, including TED Talks, fairs, panel discussions, keynotes, art exhibitions, a dance choreography, and much more. Each of these formats provides unique opportunities to engage, learn, and be inspired. By participating, you’ll not only gain valuable insights from thought leaders across various fields but also experience the intersection of creativity, innovation, and culture. This is more than just a conference—it’s a vibrant, multi-faceted event designed to broaden your perspectives and empower you to contribute to shaping the future of Europe and the freedom of research.
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.
IMPRESSIONS
