The Einstein Forum is a foundation of the German federal state of Brandenburg that serves the public as an open laboratory of the mind. Through a varied program of conferences, workshops, podium discussions, and lectures it brings together original thinkers from all over the world to test new ideas—and interrogate conventional ones—with a general audience.

Topics span the arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, ethics and politics. Whatever the subject, speakers are urged to think outside traditional academic boundaries. Our multidisciplinary emphasis encourages dialogue not only among experts from different fields but also, and just as importantly, between specialists and the public at large.

Underlying the Einstein Forum’s programming, along with the books and articles published by our staff, is an abiding belief that thinking has a purpose besides advancing scholarly and scientific knowledge. It must provide orientation, foster curiosity, and inspire creativity. Moreover, like Albert Einstein himself, it must be committed to social responsibility. In espousing these ideals, the Einstein Forum works to restore Potsdam’s traditional role as a center of Enlightenment thought.