Academic Lecture ‘Destruction and Reparation’

‘Is it possible to repair the past?’ with Aleida Assmann

Die Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften 2025

The Infinite Conversation and the Annual Theme Memo Game

‘Wild Diplomacy’ - Conflict Resolution in Non-Human Primates

In her talk on April 23rd 2025 Academy Vice President Julia Fischer presented various forms of conflict management in primates. Of particular importance are “reconciliations” - the exchange of positive social signals, brief touches, hugs and social affection that take place immediately after a conflict. The form of reconciliation varies from species to species and depends not only on the type of cohabitation - the social system - but also on the intensity of the conflict and the value of the social relationship. Animals also pursue dispute resolution and assistance after a conflict, as well as other individual resolution strategies. Conflict resolution in great apes is generally aimed at repairing relationships between animals, as these have a direct and indirect survival value. However, the large differences in conflict resolution between species also show how much post-conflict behavior is shaped by social form.

Between Science, 'Querdenker' and Lobbyists: The Climate Crisis in the Public Debate

Lunchtime salon with Academy member Stefan Rahmstorf (Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung) on April 2nd, 2025, in the Einstein Hall of the Academy building on Gendarmenmarkt.

Resolving conflicts, for example in climate policy, first requires agreement on the basic facts. To this end, the United Nations established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) back in 1988, whose reports form the scientific basis for decisions under the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Replay the panel discussion ‘Can Science Resolve Conflicts?’

What role can science play in addressing social issues? Lorraine Daston (Academy member), Viola Priesemann (Die Junge Akademie), and Peter Strohschneider (LMU München) discussed the possibilities and limitations of science-based conflict resolution. The event was moderated by Anita Traninger (Academy member and spokesperson for the annual theme). Academy President Christoph Markschies opened the panel discussion on February 12, 2025, with a welcoming address. Listen to the entire panel discussion here.

Panel discussion ‘Can Science Resolve Conflicts?’ - Welcome address by the Academy President

What role can or should science play in conflict-prone issues? Can science resolve conflicts on the basis of its expertise alone? What is the relationship between science and politics in the negotiation of conflicts?

Lorraine Daston (Academy member), Viola Priesemann (Die Junge Akademie) and Peter Strohschneider (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München) discussed these questions. Christoph Markschies (President of the BBAW) opened the evening with a welcoming speech. The event was moderated by Anita Traninger (Academy member and spokesperson for the annual theme).

Resolving conflicts: how can this be achieved?

A rbb radio3-Interview with Anita Traninger

In an interview with rbb radio3, Anita Traninger (academy member and spokesperson for the annual theme) discusses how conflicts can be resolved and what role science plays in resolving conflicts.

Listen to the interview here.

Einsteinday 2024 - Keynote speech by the spokesperson for the 2025|26 annual theme: Anita Traninger

At Einstein Day 2024 in Potsdam's Nikolaisaal, the new annual theme 2025|26 ‘Resolving Conflicts!’ will take center stage. The annual theme's spokesperson, Anita Traninger, a Romance philologist at Berlin's Freie Universität, will introduce the new annual theme. In addition, as every year, news from the Academy's work will be reported by the President, a review will be presented at the end of the Kant anniversary year and prizes will be awarded.