KIT Science Week 2025: Discover innovations for the city of the future!

KIT Science Week 2025: Discover innovations for the city of the future!

From October 14th to 19th, 2025, the city of Karlsruhe will host the third KIT Science Week, which has the motto “City of the Future”. Organized by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and partners, the event aims to build bridges between science and society and present solutions to current challenges. On this occasion, the organizers want to offer more than 100 events dedicated to the topics of sustainable architecture, smart mobility and clever urban planning. A main focus is on broad public participation, with over 50% of events being designed specifically for children, young people and families. KIT reports that the opening of Science Week will take place on October 14th at 7:30 p.m. in the KIT Audimax, accompanied by a lecture by urban researcher Sabine Knierbein about public spaces and social change.

The series of events will include a combination of a scientific congress and a variety of interactive formats, in which top international researchers from various disciplines will also be represented. Professor Jan S. Hesthaven highlights the relevance of external perspectives in research, while Professor Thomas Hirth emphasizes the connection between society and science. In addition to the lectures, the program will also include workshops and hands-on activities that address, among other things, urban planning, the construction of battery cells and the construction of furniture from recycled materials. DB construction newspaper emphasizes that the event is an integrative contribution to urban innovation discussions.

Diverse formats and interesting discussions

Part of the program includes specialist forums, public discussions and an exciting event called “Science on the Rocks” on October 15th, where future impulses will be debated in various bars in Karlsruhe's Oststadt. An interactive debate entitled “13 Questions” will take place on October 16th and will deal with the topic of autonomous driving. These formats aim to create a platform for dialogue and exchange, which is seen as crucial for the development of sustainable urban structures. The InnovationFestival on October 17th will present digital innovations from the region. There will also be a lecture by Christian Ude on the topic of sustainability and climate change on the same day.

A dialogue with citizens on urban development is planned for October 18th, as is a live podcast “Nerds at Work” in the TOLLHAUS cultural center. These activities are intended to help raise awareness of the importance of sustainable planning and urbanism.

Sustainability in construction

In the context of the KIT Science Week, the relevance of sustainable construction will also be intensively examined. The construction sector is responsible for high primary energy requirements and consumes a large part of natural resources. Professor Dirk Hebel from KIT deals with concepts of “urban mining” and advocates for the reassessment of existing buildings instead of the usual culture of demolition. He criticizes current practices that often lead to mixed recycling and thus create additional environmental pollution. Urban Future Forum points out that the discussion about the use and recycling of building materials goes beyond the pure choice of materials; New standards are also needed to promote recyclability and emphasize the responsibility of architectural design.

In summary, the KIT Science Week 2025 will not only provide a showcase of current research, but also serve as a platform to promote awareness of the necessary transformation of urban living spaces in a sustainable direction. The role of science in society will be a central component of all events.