Berlin Science Week 2024: Science Punk - Exploring the “Common Ground” of Science and Society
PDI, along with our partners from Berlin Science Week and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., are excited to bring Science Punk to Berlin Science Week 2024, aligning with this year’s theme of Common Ground. Our Science Punk series is all about challenging traditional boundaries and exploring the unorthodox side of scientific inquiry. Here, pursuing knowledge embraces rule-breaking, creativity, and rebellious thinking—because sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen when you defy conventions.
Science Punk will feature two key events: a Video Screening and an Evening Reading & Panel Discussion, both showcasing how scientific and cultural breakthroughs emerge from shared values of knowledge, curiosity, and creative communication.
But first, what is Science Punk? Scientists are often bound by rules, protocols, and expectations—but what if they weren't? We asked researchers: What experiment would you conduct if you had unlimited resources? Their answers will be revealed in a series of short films, showcasing the intersection of punk attitude and scientific discovery. These films dive deep into uncharted ideas and daring innovations—highlighting how creativity drives science forward.
Science Punk Video Screening
The videos will be screened in the Tiny Galleries in the Science & Culture FORUM at Holzmarkt 25. Scientists from PDI will be there in person to discuss their videos and their work at the institute, and answer questions from the scientifically-curious public.
Event details
Dates & Times
- 3/11: 14:00-19:00
- 8/11: 16:00-20:00
- 9/11 & 10/11: 12:00- 20:00
Location: Tiny Galleries in the SCIENCE & CULTURE FORUM at Holzmarkt 25
Science Punks: Stories of Awakening and Rebellion | Reading with Rocko Schamoni & Guests
On the opening day of the FORUM, Berlin Science Week in cooperation with PDI / Dr. Carsten Hucho are organizing an evening with musician and writer Rocko Schamoni. Schamoni's latest work Pudels Kern tells of his personal journey from village punk and outsider to cultural icon, and serves as the starting point for a discussion on the topic of rebellion against convention and stagnation.
Together with inspiring personalities from science and culture who themselves had to muster courage and resilience in their lifetimes, we will spotlight the people behind the celebrated breakthroughs: the science punks and cultural rebels. Their personal stories of departure and exclusion show us how important it is to be open to diverse voices and ideas in order to keep the social 'common ground' evolving over time.
The evening will begin with a reading by Schamoni from his new book, followed by an engaging panel discussion on the ties between artistic creativity and scientific discovery featuring PDI's Carsten Hucho, along with journalist and author Sibylle Anderl, and Irène Hediger, curator and head of the artists-in-labs program at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (Zurich University of the Arts).
Please note that this event will be held in German.
Science Punks: Geschichten des Aufbruchs und der Rebellion | Lesung mit Rocko Schamoni & Gästen
- Date & Time: 3/11: 20:00-21:30
- Location: Säälchen in the SCIENCE & CULTURE FORUM at Holzmarkt 25
- Get your ticket here