Advance ticket sales launch for Geist Heidelberg
From black holes and climate change to AI and ChatGPT.
On Thursday, July 20, 2023, starting at 1 p.m., the German-American Institute (DAI) Heidelberg will launch advance ticket sales for its 13th International Science Festival – Geist Heidelberg. From October 8th to December 15th, 2023, high-caliber speakers from the national and international scientific community – including five Nobel laureates, well-known science journalists, and talented young researchers – will discuss the pressing issues of our time, present the latest findings around key topics such as artificial intelligence, digitization, neuroscience, biology, climate change, and astrophysics, and discuss their relevance to society together with audiences.
The Nobel laureates
The science festival will start with a lecture by Nobel laureate Kip Thorne on black holes and gravitational waves on Sunday, October 8th, at 5 pm.
In addition, three more Nobel Prize winners will be making guest appearances at the DAI, all within the span of a week! Astrophysicist John C. Mather will trace the success story of the James Webb Space Telescope on Thursday, November 16th, at 8 pm. Biochemist Aaron Ciechanover will explore the interaction between bioethics and medicine on Saturday, Nov. 18th, at 8 p.m., and on Tuesday, Nov. 21st at 8 p.m., chemist Ben L. Feringa presents his award-winning molecular machines.
Well-known science journalists
How AI is transforming humanity and the planet will be discussed by science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar on Friday, Nov. 3rd, at 8 p.m. Star philosopher Richard David Precht will also touch on the same subject on Monday, Dec. 4th, at 8 p.m. Astrophysicist Harald Lesch will speak on Friday, November 10th, at 8 p.m., focusing on “Nature and Freedom” in the context of climate change.
Additional highlights
The renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins will be our guest on Saturday, November 11th, at 8 p.m., with his lecture “Fancy for Science.” Henner Gimpel and Robert Lepenies will discuss the controversial chatbot, ChatGPT, and its societal implications, on Thursday, November 2nd, at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, November 15th, at 8 p.m., respectively. Biologist Michael Succow and forest scientist Lutz Fähser will discuss climate change and its impact on our forests – especially near Heidelberg – on Sunday, November 5th, at 5 pm. On Sunday, November 12th, at 5 p.m., we will discuss the phenomenon of Cancel Culture and its impact on our democracy with renowned philosopher Julian Nida-Rümelin. On Wednesday, December 6th, at 8pm, ESA Director Günter Hasinger will explain why the history of the universe is currently being rewritten in light of new research findings.
Taking place from December 1st to December 3rd, strong, inspiring women will lead the three-day Empathy Conference: American writer Siri Hustvedt, renowned sociologist Eva Illouz, and Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights activist, Shirin Ebadi, will address the topic of empathy from unique perspectives.
Tickets & Info
The entire festival program and tickets are available online at dai-heidelberg.de and at certified Reservix advance booking offices.