The future of our work is uncertain? With the BMBF project FutureWork, ZAK is breaking new ground to change this. Human Factors and Ergonomics, Futurology and Science Fiction are working together on new future scenarios.
Further InformationWelcome to the ZAK’s new website! Since August 1, 2020 we use a responsive and modern design. If you have questions or suggestions concerning the ZAK’s web-relaunch, please contact webmaster@zak.kit.edu.
Registration for the ZAK seminars opens on Monday, 30 March at 12 o’clock. We will inform you on a timely basis in case that teaching activities have to be postponed, reduced or converted to online formats.
Courses taught in EnglishIn the winter term, the Colloquium Fundamentale dealt with current energy storage technologies as well as possible eco-friendly future technologies.
Further informationOn 29 January 2020 the KIT Climate and Environment Center presented its research on the topic “city and climate change”.
Further informationOn 21 October 2019 Prof. Dr. Gerhard Dannemann and Prof. Dr. Roland Alter discussed the current Brexit situation and possible future scenarios together with Prof. Dr. Caroline Robertson-von Trotha.
Further informationOn the occasion of the Science Year 2019 - Artificial Intelligence, ZAK was proud to present an international Film Festival on Artificial Intelligence (KI in German). From 3-5 July 2019 the 12 film finalists were shown and the KI Science Film Award was announced.
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) and the ZAK organised a workshop on "The Role of Civil Society in Cultural Relations" on 26 September 2019 within the framework of the Academic Council on Culture and Foreign Policy at the ifa (WIKA, Wissenschaftlicher Intitiativkreis Kultur und Außenpolitik). The workshop took place in the WeltRaum at the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) in Stuttgart.
While current speech assistants such as Alexa, Bixby, or Siri still feel far from fiction such as in Knight Rider, Iron Man, Her, or Ex Machina, Prof. mult. Dr. Björn W. Schuller revealed on 27 June 2019, how – largely unnoticed – “deep” neural networks already learnt to speak, and to show artificial emotional and social intelligence in their reaction in a dialogue, for example, to appear more charismatic or empathic.
On 27 May 2019 PD Dr. Ole Döring spoke on the topic „Genetic experiments on humans in China: Who owns the ethical problem?”.
As part of the Erasmus + Virtual Exchange Program: Intercultural Online Debates, the EUROMED Competition took place from 26th to 30th August 2019. Participants from the Euromediteran area debated online.
On 4 June 2019, the KIT Center Materials presented to the public its top-level research in material science as well as the associated development of technologies.
In an interview with “In Place of War” (Anna Lindh Foundation) Prof. Dr. Caroline Y. Robertson-von Trotha talked about the role of arts and creativity in promoting integration and giving communities voice to tell their own stories.
In the 5 week course “Cross-cultural Collaboration”, participants develop skills in cross-cultural communication, leadership and collaborative problem-solving. The programm in English language starts prior to the beginning of the summer semester.
The Advocacy Training – Intercultural Online Debate pilot programme is a great way to connect with young people from other countries and gain meaningful intercultural experiences online.
From 25th to 28th March 2019, the 3rd Spring Days of Sustainability took place at KIT. Participants could learn about the important role of science for sustainability and how they themselves can become actors for sustainable development.
From 22 to 24 February 2019, the 23rd Karlsruhe Dialogues discussed the importance of responsibility in all aspects of collective life in these unstable times.
On 28 January 2019 the 5th ZAK Science Dialogues in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung dealt with “The true (product) digital identity".
In the winter term 2018/19, the Colloquium Fundamentale dealt with European challenges and social responsibility in the face of current multiple crises.
On 23 January 2019 scientists of the KIT Center Elementary Particle and Astroparticle Physics (KCETA) presented fascinating research on super accelerators.
The Workshop „Threatened Researchers II: Science in Exile – Shared Responsibilities” took place on 6th December 2018. The workshop was designed for affected researchers, fellow academics, institutional and administrative employees of host institutions and the interested public.
100 years Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 150th anniversary: This was reason for a critical appraisal of the disputed chemist on 15 January 2019 with a lecture of the molecular physicist Prof. Bretislav Friedrich and a following panel discussion.
The Advocacy Training – Intercultural Online Debate pilot programme is a great way to connect with young people from other countries and gain meaningful intercultural experiences online.
The WIKA Workshop 2018: Models of Future Cultural Relations took place on November 23rd , 2018 in the WeltRaum of the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa) in Stuttgart.
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On 13 December 2018 Dr. Cora Francisca Jungbluth spoke on the topic „Chance and Challenge: Chinese Investments in Germany” and examined the question if there is reason to worry about a sellout through China.
On 15 - 17 June 2018 the ZAK organized the International Expert Conference on the History of Popular Science Communication from Antiquity to Present.
On 12 June 2018 the 4th ZAK Science Dialogues in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung dealt with “Sharing or Owning – Sharing Economy as Curse or Blessing?".
The Colloquium Fundamentale deals in the summer term 2018 with current research around the topic of work.
On 25 June 2018 Dr. Margot Schüller analysed the chances and challenges for the cooperation of China and Germany that are connected with the reorientation of China’s economic model.
On 20 June 2018, Prof. Dr. Betül Yarar talked about “Neoliberal Regimes and Their Gendered Body-Bio-Politics. The Case of AKP in Turkey”.
The first dates for intercultural online debates are fixed – sign up now or register for more information!
On 7 June 2018 the KIT Mobility Systems Center presented lectures on “Mobility in Transition – Opinions and Facts” in the Bürgersaal of Karlsruhe City Hall.
In the 5 week collaborative Course, participants develop skills in cross-cultural communication, leadership and collaborative problem-solving. The English programm starts before the beginning of the summer semester.
From 4 - 5 May 2018 ZAK hosted a public scientific symposium on political upheavals, women’s rights and interdependencies of globalisation.
On 17 April 2018 Dr. Sandro Knezović talked about the role of the EU as a factor of stability in Southeastern Europe and the Enlargement of the EU with candidate states of the region.
From 2 to 4 March 2018, the 22nd Karlsruhe Dialogues discussed what an intelligent city is and which opportunities and challenges emerge with respect to new smart cities.
On 7 February 2018, Afaf Rahim talked about “Refugees and Migrants – Social and Economic Integration” in the lecture series World Science Café.
The concert of the KIT Chamber Orchestra took place on 21st of April 2018 in the Gerthsen auditorium at KIT. Under the direction of Dieter Köhnlein the chamber orchestra played compositions of Beethoven, Dvorák and Fauré.
In the winter term 2017/18 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale dealt with parallel structures in the mainstream society and their possible implications for democracy.
On 31 January 2018 an introduction of the KIT Energy Center with lectures on new technologies for the energy of tomorrow took place in the Bürgersaal of Karlsruhe City Hall.
On 21 November 2017 the third ZAK Science Dialogues in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung dealt with “Digital education – what do we have to know for tomorrow?".
On 12 December 2017 Dr. Anan Alsheikh Haidar and Dr. Housamedden Darwish discussed “The Syrian Crisis – A Philosophical and Legal Overview” in the lecture series World Science Café.
Within the scope of the International Forum, Thomas Yoshimura held a lecture on the religious landscape of Indonesia. The lecture took place on 23 October 2017.
The political scientist Benjamin Barber visited the “Karlsruhe Dialogues” of the ZAK in 2004 and 2015. He spoke about the potential of cities for challenges of our world.
Our author Ghiath Al Jebawi draws attention to the structures of refugee accommodations and reflects on their architectonics as social and urban fabric.
On 19 July 2017 Dr. Zafer Yilmaz gave a talk about the Transformation of Rule of Law and Suppression of Freedom of Speech in Turkey.
In the summer term 2017 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale discussed topics concerning everything around marine habitats as well as the protection and sustainable use of marine resources.
On 12 July 2017 an introduction of the KIT Humans and Technology Centre with lectures on the Human-Machine Relation and the history of technology took place in the Bürgersaal of Karlsruhe City Hall.
On 10 July 2017 the second ZAK Science Dialogues took place in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung and dealt with “Opinion Making in the Digital World".
Within the scope of the International Forum, Dr. habil. Martin Thunert held a lecture on the Kennedy myth, the challenges his administration had to face and other relevant questions. The lecture took place on 26 June 2017.
Within the scope of the EU-funded project MIGRASCOPE, the ZAK and project partners from various countries are developing concepts to support migrants and employers in the integration process into the labor market.
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Amir Heinitz and Marian Reda, flatmates in Cairo during the Egyptian Revolution, contribute e-mail excerpts to the online publication of the ZAK.
The ZAK and the Wissenschaftsbüro of the Stadtmarketing Karlsruhe GmbH invited filmmakers worldwide to submit films on scientific topics for the “Karlsruhe Science Film Days 2017”. On 2 July 2017 the best film won the “KIT Science Film Award” (with a prize money of 5,000 Euros).
From 3 to 5 March 2017, the 21st Karlsruhe Dialogues discussed democracy and disenchantment, mistrust of the elite, as well as threats to an open society.
Urban, global, digital: From 10 May 2017, the City Conversations (Stadtgepräche) addressed different attributes of the concept ‘home’ within the framework of the Heimattage Baden-Württemberg.
The Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Hande Birkalan-Gedik gave a lecture (in English) about Human Condition and Refugee Crisis in the last part of the series “World Science Café” on 15 February 2017.
From now on you can also gain pictorial insights into the working life at the ZAK and impressions of ZAK events on Instagram. You can find us under #zak_karlsruhe
Syrian archaeologist Prof. Dr. Ammar Abdulrahman gave a talk as part of the new event series “World Science Café” on 1 February 2017.
In the winter term 2016/17 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale dealt with the topic “New Nationalisms – A Consequence of a Globalised World?”.
On 25 January 2017 scientists of the KIT Center Information · Systems · Technologies (KCIST) presented fascinating research relating to Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.
Dramatist Mike van Graan gave a talk on the South African perspective on Germany and social developments in his home country on 15 November 2016.
In the winter term 2016/17, the ZAK launched a new event series in cooperation with the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. The series’ kick off on 7 November 2016 dealt with “Digitalisation: Download Culture and Its Consequences”. Guests from the fields of science and business debated both in a panel session and with the audience.
In February 2016, the 20th Karlsruhe Dialogues “NationEurope: The Polarised Solidarity Community” discussed the current state of Europe and a possible Brexit in an intense and controversial manner.
Check our event calendar for the next concerts of KIT Symphony Orchestra, KIT Choir, Bigband and other great ensembles, as well as for current information on Public Science events.
In the winter term 2016/17, in the framework of International Forum, Prof. Dr. Gilles Kepel spoke about the topic of his new book “Terreur dans l'Hexagone”. His lecture about terror in France took place on 27 October 2016.
In the summer term 2016 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale focused on diverse fields of oceanography. The opening lecture was given by Prof. Dr. Reinhold Leinfelder on 12 May 2016.
On 22 June 2016 scientists of the KIT Climate and Environment Center presented fascinating research relating to climate change and conservation of resources.
From 22 - 23 April 2016 ZAK hosted a scientific symposium on mobility and localisation. The symposium took place as a closing event of the Festival of European Culture 2016 “Migration - happiness | misery | foreignness” at Industrie- and Handelskammer Karlsruhe (Chamber of Industry and Commerce Karlsruhe).
From 19 – 21 February the 20th Karlsruhe Dialogues discussed the present state as well as the future of the European Union.
The 11th edition of the filmseries “Traumfabrik” showed movies with and about contract killers. It started on 1 May 2016 at Filmtheatre Schauburg Karlsruhe, Marienstr. 16.
In the winter term 2015/16 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale focused on impacts of the new global power China. The opening lecture was given by Dr. Volker Stanzel, former German ambassador in China, on 19 November 2015.
On 7 October 2015 the nationwide activity of the German Network of Anna Lindh Foundation started. Under the motto “New Neighborhoods” several events took place in 20 cities throughout Germany from October until December 2015. You can follow the activities in this Blog.
Filmtheatre Schauburg Karlsruhe celebrated the jubilee of TRAUMFABRIK by dedicating its 10th edition of the filmseries to the popular cult director and filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. The retrospective started on 25 October 2015 at Filmtheatre Schauburg Karlsruhe, Marienstr. 16.
Together with Akademischer Filmkreis (AFK) and with KIT International Affairs, ZAK dedicated an evening to Costa Rica. The screening of the film “Dos Aguas” took place in presence of film director Patricia Velásquez and composer Oscar Herrera on 8 December 2015.
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In cooperation with Tel Aviv University Berlin and Kinemathek Karlsruhe E.V. ZAK presented a selection of shorts by young Israeli filmmakers on 4 November 2015 to celebrate the jubilee “50 Years Diplomatic Relations Israel – Germany”.
On 3 November 2015 scientists of the KIT Materials, Structures, Functions Center presented fascinating research relating to the newest light technologies and their industrial applications.
Multidisciplinary, intercultural and controversial: Each of a total of 13 “Stadtgespräche” (City Conversations) was set in the framework of the 300th anniversary of the city of Karlsruhe in the festival pavilion in the castle gardens. This new series of events presented current issues relating to the history and development of the town involving both audience and special guests: June 24 until September 23 2015.
»e-Installation«, a project for Telepresence-based documentation of endangered media art, was chosen on May 11, 2015, by the initiative „Germany – Land of Ideas“ as one of hundred “Excellent Landmarks” in the competition of 2015.
In cooperation with city marketing Karlsruhe and the editor house Spektrum der Wissenschaft ZAK proudly presented the first »Karlsruhe Science Film Days« during EFFEKTE, the Karlsruhe Science Festival. Screenings of and public discussions on science films of all kinds were held on three nights between June 30 and July 2nd 2015.
The challenges and opportunities of (inter-)cultural work were the focus of the cluster meeting ‘Migration’ and ‘Art & Culture’ on the 9th -10th of July 2015 in Leipzig.
Science on stage aims at presenting cutting-edge research and science in general in a theatrical format. The three events were held in a pavilion on castle square on June, 28 and 30, and July, 2nd 2015.
In the summer term 2015 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale dedicated itself to the crucial significance of light for mankind’s technical and cultural history.
On June, 10, 2015 scientists of the KIT Mobility Systems Center presented fascinating research relating to mobility, technology, and mobility behavior.
Currently published: The "Anna Lindh Report on Intercultural Trends 2014" shows trends in the mutual perception of the citizens in the Euro-Mediterranean region and analyzes the development of attitudes related to intercultural coexistence.
From 27 February until 1 March 2015 the 19th Karlsruhe Dialogues took place.
On November 14, 2014, the Center of Digtal Tradition (CODIGT) at ZAK organized a public symposium on the topic of ‘Digital Society and Cultural Memory’.
On 10 December 2014 Peter Spuhler, Gizem A. Weber and Dr. Cengiz Günay discussed the topic "Quo vadis, Turkey? Scenarios and perspectives " in the ballroom of the Studentenhaus at KIT.
In the winter term 2014/15 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale dedicated itself to the consequences of the digitalization for our society.
The E-Installation project aims to preserve media artworks from being forgotton. This is achieved by using telepresence technology and virtual reproduction.
Journalist Francesca Caferri contributes to the online publication of the ZAK with an article on “The Arab Spring as a Women’s Revolution”.
In September and October 2014, the next series of events of the German Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation took place.
For the second time members of the Anna Lindh Foundation were invited to the Citizens Festival of the Federal President of Germany 2014 in Bellevue Palace in Germany. The talk took place on September 6th 2014.
The international scientific symposium took place from 16 – 18 May, 2014. It was part of the 22th Festival of European Culture “Peace + War. 2014 – 1914”
CODIGT is dedicated to the task of contributing to the preservation of digital cultural heritage and research data. CODIGT is co-funded by KIT, ZKM - Centre for Art and Media Karlsruhe, and the University of Arts and Design Karlsruhe.
In the summer term 2014 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale dedicated itself to the technology behind our digital society.
On March 5 – 7, 2014, project partners from four European University discussed the opportunities of technical education in times of demographic change.
A decade after its creation, the Anna Lindh Foundation has involved many thousands of citizens in joint projects in the fields of education, culture and media, and runs the largest civil society Network working for dialogue in the Mediterranean region. Since March 2012 the ZAK, together with the Goethe Institute, coordinates the German network of the Anna Lindh Foundation.
As submission to the Science in Dialogue contest “Fast Forward Science 2013”, ZAK presents an animated extract from a lecture held by Richard David Precht at the 60th Jubilee of the Studium Generale.
From 10th to 11th March 2014, the annual meeting of the German Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation took place in Bochum, Germany. The Network meeting was followed by the Cluster "Science".
Since March 2012 the ZAK, together with the Goethe Institute, coordinates the German network of the Anna Lindh Foundation. The collaborative, nationwide series of events of the network on the subject “Migration and Flight” took place from October until December 2012
From 14th until 16th February 2014 the 18th Karlsruhe Dialogues took place.
Being one of twenty-four selected organizations, the German Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation was present at the Citizens´ Festival of the Federal President Joachim Gauck in Berlin on August 30th and 31st 2013.
In the winter term 2013/14 the course of lectures Colloquium Fundamentale dealt with the changing population structure in Germany as well as in the rest of the world.
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This volume addresses the topic of organised crime from a sociological, economic, criminological, and judicial perspective, and offers approaches to possible solutions.
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With the celebratory event on the 30th of November 2012 and the 1st of December 2012 the ZAK celebrated its tenth anniversary in the winter semester.
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From 22nd until 24th of February 2013 the 17th Karlsruhe Dialogues took place.
Article published by:
Public Service Review; European Science & Technology: issue 12
The second video season of the Public Science Project "InsideScience" takes a close look at "Humanoid Robots" and the scientists behind it. Watch the films on the project's YouTube-Channel.