Our Universe: Bettina Stark-Watzinger and Jan Wörner at the inaugural event for Science Year 2023

Berlin, 25 January 2023

The Futurium in Berlin was the venue for the start of Science Year 2023 – Our Universe, which was officially opened by Bettina Stark-Watzinger in the presence of 250 guests from science and the public. acatech President Jan Wörner gave a press conference with the Minister and took part in the panel discussion of this year’s themes and aims (“Astronomisches Quartett”).

A varied program to kick-start Science Year 2023 directed the audience’s gaze into the distant reaches of space – from the sensational pictures taken by the European Southern Observatory’s telescopes, to the strains of the specially composed piece of music by Gabriel Saber and on to the panel discussion on this year’s themes and aims. On the panel, the Minister spoke with Sibylle Anderl, astrophysicist and science journalist, Jürgen Renn from the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science and Jan Wörner, President of acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering, who is this year’s chair of the group of associates of Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD), which organises the Science Years in partnership with the Ministry.

Bettina Stark-Watzinger emphasised at the start of the event the fascination that the universe holds for us humans, not least due to the extremes to be researched in this area: from the tiniest particles to the largest objects, from its vast expanse to materials that have to withstand extreme conditions. She pointed out that basic astrophysics research also generates economic opportunities, as the research is frequently crucially important to the development of new large devices in order to tackle challenges facing society.

Since time immemorial stargazing has provided orientation and fired our imagination. Only science and technology have been able to take us out into the universe and given us profound insights into time and space. What’s more important to me than individual innovations is that astronomy and space travel inspire and connect people – and the view of Earth from orbit shows us how beautiful and vulnerable it is. It calls on us as a global community to work together to ensure a bright future.

Jan Wörner, acatech President, at the inaugural event for Science Year 2023 – Our Universe

The aim of the Science Years is to generate greater interest in science and research, capture people’s imagination and also to spark lively debate. The theme of Science Year 2023 is “Our Universe” and it addresses questions such as: What are black holes? Are we alone in the universe? What makes Earth a habitable planet and how can we protect it? What happens to space junk? It’s about looking from Earth into space – and back again. A varied programme, including exhibitions, events for schools and interactive activities, will be held to encourage young and old alike to share with science and research.

Further information

Science Year 2023