Future energy: Bonn discusses innovative solutions for the energy transition!

Future energy: Bonn discusses innovative solutions for the energy transition!

On July 15, 2025, an important event took place at the University of Bonn that was dedicated to transdisciplinary exchange on the socially relevant aspects of energy issues. With a welcome from Prof. Frank Bertoldi, director of the Argelander Institute for Astronomy, the aim of the event was highlighted: to develop a view beyond the physical and technical understanding of energy and to shed light on the social dimensions of this topic. The invitation was aimed at researchers from various disciplines in order to promote interdisciplinary exchange and discuss solutions to the challenges of the energy transition.

The central question of the event was the design of energy in different social contexts. Visible impulses and questions from the audience were actively contributed via a web-based tool. Among those taking part in the discussion were environmental economist Jun.-Prof. Julia Mink, ethnologist Prof. Christoph Antweiler and agricultural scientist Prof. Ralf Pude took part. Moderation was in the hands of Eva Wolfangel.

Important perspectives on the energy transition

In her speech, Jun.-Prof. Mink highlights social justice and sustainable action as fundamental aspects of the energy transition. She pointed out that the global interconnection of the world economy has a significant impact on energy distribution and security of supply. Prof. Christoph Antweiler emphasized the need for local solutions to effectively deal with global environmental problems. Furthermore, Prof. Ralf Pude presented innovative approaches to the cultivation and energetic utilization of plants that can contribute to a sustainable energy supply.

This event is part of the 2025 Science Year entitled “Future Energy”, which is organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and Science in Dialogue (WiD). The topics of this science year are diverse: They range from renewable energies to battery and storage research to hydrogen technologies and fusion research. The initiative aims to strengthen public interest in scientific issues and promote dialogue between citizens and researchers.

Energy in transition

The Science Year 2025 places a particular focus on the challenges of climate neutrality, reliability and resource conservation in the context of the energy transition. A key aspect of the effort is to make research more transparent and accessible to citizens. Regionally funded projects and citizen science campaigns are intended to promote exchange between science and society.

Federal Research Minister Cem Özdemir emphasized the urgency of these issues and the need for new solutions to ensure a fair and social design of the future energy system. With a comprehensive program of lectures, projects and hands-on activities, the 2025 Science Year is intended to give citizens the opportunity to discover and discuss the progress in energy research for themselves. Current information and details about upcoming events can be found on the Science Year website Science year 2025 to find.

The additional activities also include the interactive exhibition “MS Science”, which will tour through Germany until September and introduce visitors to the innovative power of the energy supply of the future. The combination of science, interdisciplinary exchange and practical participation activities is intended to help develop shared visions for a sustainable energy future.

Overall, the importance of an inter- and transdisciplinary exchange to develop solutions to the societal challenges in energy policy becomes clear. The event, organized by the University of Bonn, the Argelander Institute for Astronomy and the Transfer Center enaCom, is an example of how science, politics and society can work together to actively shape the energy transition. Further information is available on the website University of Bonn as well as that Leopoldina available.