Hamburg Science Summit 2026

“Europe in a Multipolar World”

17 September 2026 | Körber-Stiftung | Hamburg, Germany

In a world marked by shifting power dynamics and the rise of new regional actors, Europe faces the challenge – and the opportunity – to rethink its international partnerships. As research and innovation are increasingly tied to geopolitical concerns, ranging from data security and export controls to dual-use technologies and critical infrastructures, a more strategic approach is needed. At the same time, collaboration and openness remain essential to address global challenges and ensure prosperity.

The Hamburg Science Summit 2026 will explore how Europe can navigate this tension between openness and sovereignty in a multipolar landscape. What role can science diplomacy play in sustaining dialogue across political divides? How should Europe shape its scientific and economic relations with partners beyond the US and China? And how can synergies between science, civil innovation and defence be harnessed to strengthen Europe without undermining academic freedom and collaboration? Bringing together leading figures from academia, policy, business and think tanks, the Summit will discuss how science and innovation can help Europe find its place in a polycentric world.

Confirmed partners at the 2026 edition include:

• European Commission – Joint Research Centre (JRC)
• European Innovation Council (EIC)
• German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
• German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat)
• Max Planck Society
• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Springer Nature
• Table.Briefings
• Hamburg Chamber of Commerce

Registration will open in June 2026. For early inquiries, please contact the organisers.