Kick-Off Event for the Science Year 2026 – Medicine of the Future

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) warmly invites everyone to explore the medicine of the future up close. The event will open at 5:30 p.m. with remarks by Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Research, Technology, and Space, Matthias Hauer, who will provide insights into the medicine of the future and inaugurate a shared exploration of the key questions of the Science Year 2026.

This will be followed by a moderated discussion with researchers from a variety of fields. Participants include Dr. Wilko Heuten and Celia Nieto Agraz from OFFIS – Institute for Computer Science, Dr. Silke Lipinski from the German Center for Mental Health, Prof. Dr. Rita Schmutzler from the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer at the University Hospital Cologne, Prof. Dr. Joachim Schultze from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Dr. Nibras Naami from the West German Pediatric Hematology Center and the Hand, Foot, Mouth podcast. They will share insights into their work and discuss current developments. The program will be hosted by author and moderator Stephanie Hielscher.

In the Meet-the-Scientist sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with researchers about their projects. Topics include nursing and robotics, mental health, cancer prevention, brain health in aging, and digital medicine. These conversations are designed to be highly interactive, encouraging questions, discussion, and first-hand experiences of research.

An interactive improvisational theater format will offer creative impulses and reflect the questions and ideas raised throughout the evening. From 7:00 p.m., the event transitions into an open networking session. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view impressive exhibits from current research projects, including robotics applications in care, digital diagnostics, cell therapies, and innovative healthcare models, bringing the medicine of the future vividly to life.

Guided tours will provide insights into future scenarios at the intersection of science and society, offering additional perspectives on the evening’s themes.

Participation in the event is free of charge.

Register here