Under the title “Joint Research for Better Futures”, around 300 participants will gather at the Berliner Futurium from March 23 to 25, 2026 for the Grand Challenges Conference, to explore pathways toward a sustainable future. At the heart of the conference are five major challenges of our time—the Grand Challenges: Global Health, Social Cohesion, Climate and Water under Change, Quantum Technologies, and Responsible Innovation in Times of Transformation.

In more than 20 sessions, researchers will offer exciting insights into their work and share the results of their studies. Prominent keynote speakers will provide fresh perspectives on how to tackle the complex problems of our era. Transformational researcher Maja Göpel will discuss positive social tipping points, social scientist Naika Foroutan will explore the future of social cohesion, and physicist Jerry Chow will highlight advances in quantum technologies.

Beyond inspiring keynotes, engaging discussions, and a showcase of excellent research across disciplines, participants can look forward to ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exchange.