KIT Science Week 2025: Discover future visions for Karlsruhe!

KIT Science Week 2025: Discover future visions for Karlsruhe!

From October 14th to 19th, 2025, Karlsruhe will be transformed into a center of innovative urban development. As part of the KIT Science Week, the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a wide range of activities will be presented under the motto “City of the Future”. The focus is on sustainable architecture, smart mobility and future-oriented urban planning. Over 100 events, more than half of which are specifically aimed at children, young people and families, invite you to actively participate.

A special highlight of the event is the opening lecture by Sabine Knierbein on October 14th at 7:30 p.m. in the KIT Audimax. In addition, a panel discussion and an exhibition on public spaces and social change will be offered. The program impresses with creative participation and interactive experiments; including workshops on urban planning, an outdoor exit game and a tour of Karlsruhe's pub landscape with the title “Science on the Rocks”.

Education and sustainability in focus

Another important part of Science Week is the creative ideas competition “#KA2055”, which encourages students in grades 5 to 9 to develop visions for life in 2055. Participation is made easier for families with a free participation program and content that covers topics such as autonomous cars and sustainable living concepts. In order to promote the interests of school classes, laboratories open their doors and offer hands-on activities for children aged five and over.

This educational approach is consistent with the goals of sustainable urban development, which essentially focus on social justice, ecological sustainability and economic vitality. Loud Fraunhofer IESE Sustainable urban development plays a crucial role in the well-being of future generations. The event will therefore also contribute to minimizing the ecological footprint and improving the quality of life in urban areas.

Technology as a driver for smart cities

In addition, the concept of smart cities is discussed. They use digital technologies to overcome urban challenges. Data analysis and sensor technology are not only key technologies, but also the basis for digital twins, which can promote sustainability through precise models and improved data analysis. These aspects will be addressed during the conference, panel discussions and workshops, which are an integral part of the varied Science Week program.

The event will be accompanied by a variety of lectures, including the podcast “Nerds at Work” on October 18th at 8:00 p.m., moderated by Dr. Jens Foell and Dr. Christian Scharun. The KIT Science Week thus offers a platform for the exchange of innovative and sustainable solutions in urban areas. Participation in the numerous events is also rewarded with ECTS points for students.

The KIT Science Week is therefore not only a celebration of science and education, but also an important step towards the sustainable development of urban living spaces. The program, which was designed for all age groups, is ideal for the general public and is intended to encourage citizens to think and participate.