A EUROPEAN SUMMIT

FREEDOM OF
RESEARCH

4.11. – 5.11.2026 | AACHEN

Days

Hours

Minutes

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.

Innovation and Competitiveness

As Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2026 Mario Draghi has argued, Europe must strengthen its competitiveness and economic resilience in an increasingly contested global environment. This requires not only investment and industrial capacity, but also institutions that foster openness, talent, innovation, and the free exchange of knowledge. Academic freedom remains a cornerstone of critical thinking, intellectual diversity, and open democratic discourse. Free inquiry and international academic cooperation are essential for a resilient research landscape and for sustaining Europe’s long-term innovative capacity. With our Summit, we aim to discuss the political and institutional conditions needed for both a strong academic community and a competitive Europe. Hdo political systems shape knowledge production and innovation? Which barriers continue to hinder Europe’s competitiveness? And what are the broader societal costs when academic and research freedom are restricted?

PROGRAM 2026

Coronation Hall, Aachen Town Hall

01

EVENING RECEPTION

WEDNESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2025

More information is coming soon.

PROGRAM & MORE INFORMATION

ROUTE TO THE LOCATION

Generali Saal, SuperC, RWTH Aachen University

02

SYMPOSIUM

THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2025

Language: English
Registration required (opens in October 2026), free admission

More information is coming soon.

PROGRAM & MORE INFORMATION

ROUTE TO THE LOCATION

APOLLO Kino & Bar, Aachen

03

Stand-up FoR Science NIGHT

THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2025

Languages: German and English
No registration required, free admission

More information is coming soon.

PROGRAM & MORE INFORMATION

ROUTE TO THE LOCATION

WHY PARTICIPATE?

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Our primary goal is to create a platform that enables young people to engage with decision-makers from across Europe on both a professional and personal level, fostering lasting cross-border collaboration and the exchange of ideas and visions. The Summit serves as a space for open dialogue, promoting freedom in research and the free flow of knowledge. Through its various program elements, we aim to provide diverse opportunities for individuals from different backgrounds to connect and collaborate.

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, panel discussions, keynotes, movie screenings, and more. Each format provides unique opportunities to engage, learn, and be inspired. By participating, you will gain valuable insights from thought leaders across various fields while experiencing the intersection of creativity, innovation, and culture. This is more than just a conference — it is a vibrant, multi-faceted event designed to broaden your perspectives and empower you to help shape the future of Europe and safeguard 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 festive evening event, an all-day symposium, and a stand-up night, 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.