Science Festival Frankfurt 2026

How to achieve peace? And how to sustain it?

On Sep­tember 19, 2026, Frank­furt’s Rossmarkt once again be­came a vibrant open-­air science lab. The 16 research insti­tutions of the Frank­furt Alliance showcased what Frankfurt has to offer as a re­search hub – and PRIF will join them.

At in­dividual science tents, visitors could gain in­sights into current pro­jects and research. This year, the PRIF booth’s theme is “How to achieve peace? And how to sustain it?” There, visitors could learn more about current con­flicts around the world and pos­sible solutions: For example, how can the war in Ukraine end? What role does Europe play on the inter­national stage? What streng­thens our democracy? They could take our quiz on hidden mes­sages online and talk to us about your questions while making peace dove crafts.

A diverse stage pro­gram featuring science slams, debates, inter­active shows, and musical per­formances invited vi­sitors of all ages to listen and join in. 

Impressions from the 2026 Science Festival

Video transcript (in German)

A postcard stand in front of a wall covered with colorful squares, on which is written: “How can peace be achieved, and how can it be sustained?”
Ursula Grünenwald in conversation.
Stefan Kroll is talking with someone else. Stalls and people can be seen in the background.
Children are sitting at a table and drawing.
A person is sitting at a table. There is a screen in the background. A rope with paper doves is hanging from the ceiling.
Handmade doves are hanging from a rope.
Stefan Kroll is speaking into a microphone. In the background, a canvas banner reads: “Is Everything a Crisis or What?! Keynote Address by Dr. Stefan Kroll.”
A photo of a child wearing a green cap and holding colored pencils, seen from behind.
Henriette Franken is talking with someone else. Stalls and people can be seen in the background.
A man is standing on a stage that reads “Science Festival Frankfurt.” An audience is seated in front of him.
Stands filled with people.
Peter Schwarz is standing at a bar table, showing something to a female visitor.
Children and adults are gathered around a table where they are doing crafts. A rope with handmade doves hangs above it.
Three people are standing around a bar table, chatting.
Children and adults are gathered around a table where they are doing crafts. A rope with handmade doves hangs above it.

Photos: Helen Breunig (PRIF) and Peter Kiefer.

Timetable

Florian Heeb (SAFE) and Stefan Kroll (PRIF) will speak at the institutes’ joint booth about how researchers in finance and peace and conflict studies are addressing climate change and its consequences.

Stefan Kroll discusses current issues in peace and conflict studies, such as the new draft and the consequences of climate change. He heads the Science Communication Deparment. His research focuses on interdisciplinary research on norms and institutions, knowledge transfer, and political education.

Input by Stefan Kroll for the panel discussion “Is Everything in Crisis or What?!”

Representatives from PRIF, the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, and the Leibniz Institute for Research on Education and Educational Information (DIPF) will discuss current crises in politics, finance, climate, and education. Together, they will examine the causes, challenges, and possible prospects. Irene Weipert-Fenner will represent PRIF on the panel and speak about green hydrogen production in Tunisia.

Lars Wiegold researches processes of radicalization on the Internet. As part of the RadiGaMe project, he has examined gaming-related communication platforms and developed potential solutions for law enforcement, early detection, and preventive measures.

How well do you know the meanings of emojis, numbers, and symbols? Many seem harmless – but some convey unexpected political messages and derogatory attitudes on social media. The tricky part is that they don’t always mean the same thing. Their meaning depends on who uses them, when, and where.

Join us for some family-friendly crafts: As we cut, paint, and fold the little dove of peace, we can talk about your questions and thoughts on conflicts around the world and possible solutions. How do you imagine peace?

When: September 19, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Roßmarkt, 60311 Frankfurt/M.

You can find additional information on the Science Festival's website.

The Frankfurt Science Festival is organized by the Frankfurt Alliance, which was formed in 2024 by Goethe University and sixteen leading research institutes in the Rhine-Main region. 

Sponsors and Partners

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