The International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS) is an influential gathering of leading academics, policymakers, and international experts aimed at addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. The ISPS will take place January 22-23, 2025 in Hanover.

In a world facing geopolitical tensions, threats to the liberal-democratic order, climate change, and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, universities are uniquely positioned to contribute to building prosperous, sustainable and democratic societies. Through world-class research, educating future leaders, fostering innovation, and providing critical spaces for reflection and dialogue, research-intensive universities play a central role in shaping the future. The International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS) will explore how universities can meet these responsibilities through five key focal areas:

• 1. Research & Innovation: Excellence in research, innovation, and global talent mobility
• 2. Geopolitics: Changing geopolitical landscapes and its risks for research and education
• 3. Sustainability & Security: Sustaining human life on earth through higher education: How universities contribute to food security
• 4. Universities as just institutions: Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion
• 5. Universities as spaces of open discourse: The state of academic freedom and free speech on campus

The program will include moderated panel discussions with experts from science and politics, drawing from the outcomes of three Canadian-German working groups on geopolitics, sustainability, and EDI established in 2024. Participants will engage in dynamic exchanges through panel discussions, Q & A sessions, and networking opportunities during the event. Parallel rooms will be provided for bilateral meetings and matchmaking sessions during lunch and coffee breaks, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This symposium offers a unique platform to discuss how universities worldwide can collaborate to strengthen societies in a time of global uncertainty.

Registration & Language

Registration is only possible for invited guests. The symposium language is English.