Place of Science
How does a society change? What happens when people’s lives are suddenly turned upside down – as after the fall of the Berlin Wall in East Germany? And what can we learn from this for what lies ahead – in times of climate crisis, digitalization, and new political tensions?
This is exactly what the scientific area of the Future Center is all about. Because we can only make good decisions for tomorrow if we understand how society works – and what holds it together. Science helps to clarify misunderstandings, break down prejudices, and discover new perspectives.
Of course, German reunification plays an important role. But the research at the Future Center looks further – beyond Germany, into other European countries. How did change unfold in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, or Ukraine? What was different there, what was similar? From all these stories, a common picture gradually emerges: a European transformation history.
The research at the Future Center is not conducted in isolation.
The focus is on questions that move us all today. How do societies deal with major changes? How does our life change when factories close, new technologies are introduced, or people come to us from other countries? What does it take for a democracy to remain stable even in difficult times?
Current topics such as climate change, migration, or the role of social media are also examined. Particularly exciting is the focus on societal fractures: for example, on regions where people feel left behind, or on biographies where family experiences are passed down through generations.
The research at the Future Center is not conducted in isolation. It is open, curious, lively – and often designed for participation. In the so-called Future Lab, current topics are researched together with citizens or artists. In a dedicated fellowship program, scientists from all over Europe come to Halle to contribute new ideas.
At the Future Center, science, culture, and citizens work in dialogue under one roof. The results of the research flow into exhibitions, events, and discussions – easily understandable, accessible, and relevant for everyone. In this way, knowledge is not only collected but also shared.
