Whether it’s electronic textiles, cybercrime, AI-based procedures in medicine, or road safety for cyclists, scientists from various disciplines conduct joint research at the Einstein Center Digital Future (ECDF) into issues related to digitalization. Michael Müller, Governing Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Science and Research, congratulated the ECDF on the occasion of its second anniversary, emphasizing the importance of the research center for Berlin. “The ECDF is a real shooting star in Berlin. It contributes significantly to making Berlin Germany’s leading location for digitalization as well as to the city’s ability to contribute to international developments. What should also not be forgotten is the important role the ECDF plays as an enabler in the development of new initiatives and in promoting cooperation in Berlin as a location for innovation. Congratulations on this successful work and best of luck for the years to come,” says Müller.

The ECDF currently hosts 27 professors who have been appointed to one of the four Berlin universities – Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Universität der Künste Berlin – or Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Two further researchers have already accepted their appointments as professor; five appointments are in the negotiation stage; and seven appointments will be made in the near future. A further nine appointments are currently in the pipeline.

The Robert-Koch-Forum in the heart of Berlin plays an important role in this regard. The House of Digitalization brings together researchers from around the globe to develop their ideas for researching, designing, and implementing digitalization. In the newly established Micro Factory, researchers work on design objects, models, and prototypes. The Future Security Lab invites visitors from politics, business, and science, as well as members of the public, to join in and discuss interactive scenarios involving public security.

The house is open to different formats: In Hackathons, for example, students develop ideas for residential quarters in Berlin; in panel discussions, topics such as “digitalization and equality” are addressed; and at the Long Night of the Sciences, members of the public can experience first-hand what ECDF research projects are all about.

The ECDF was approved by the Einstein Foundation Berlin in September 2016. It is one of six Einstein Centers in Berlin. The Foundation funds cutting-edge science and research in Berlin, helping to strengthen the city's reputation as one the world's foremost research locations.