Find the latest news and updates of Curious – Future Insight™ Conference.
August 16, 2023
Join our platinum sponsor Merck online on 06 September 4pm CEST for the Compound Challenge and Bader Award event.
Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4260504/A97E7A0CF8A0415EEB599194FD04CEA5?partnerref=Esignature
August 12, 2023
Deadline to apply for funding from our Platinum Sponsor Merck with a research grant on Green Hydrogen is approaching August 31st http://researchgrants.merckgroup.com
July 12, 2023
Congratulations to the 2023 Johann Anton Merck Award Winner Carola Vinuesa from Francis Crick Institute!
June 29, 2023
The Johann Anton Merck award is given out for outstanding scientific preclinical research accomplishments in the areas of Merck Healthcare‘s strategic focus. The award ceremony will be streamed online.
Live on July 12, 2023: https://www.merckgroup.com/en/research/research-and-development-events/johann-anton-merck-award-2023.html
June 06, 2023
Join to experience the Merck Future Insight Prize Winner 2023 – Pandemic Early Warning System!
Live on July 11, 2023: http://futureinsightprize.merckgroup.com
May 30, 2023
We are proud to announce the finalists for this year’s Spinoff Prize from Nature Awards and Merck. These five carefully selected companies are profiled in a Nature Outlook together with the seven that made the long-list. All 12 were recognized by the panel of judges as having extraordinary potential to develop products and technologies that will change the way we live and work. The finalists will contest the slam in a public virtual event on 21st of June, after which one winner will receive a €30,000 cash prize. Register now to join!
May 29, 2023
We deeply regret the passing of Harald zur Hausen, Nobel Laureate in Medicine and former Curious Speaker. Harald zur Hausen was considered the intellectual father of the vaccine against cervical cancer. This earned him the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2008. We offer our deepest condolences.
May 26, 2023
LinkedIn Post by Dr. Ulrich Betz !
Science is extremely important and powerful but it is not enough. Science can be a double edged sword and its results be used for good and bad alike. Science also remains forever silent on the most important question in life - why do we live in what should we do. Therefore, it is important to combine science with the ethics of love and with inspiration/spirituality for a holistic world view. This is the ambition of the Future Insight e.V. association - be a part of it now at Curious2024 – Future Insight™ (curiousfutureinsight.org).
May 05, 2023
Research article "Game changers in science and technology - now and beyond" by Ulrich Betz out now! The article highlights the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the involvement of strategic thinkers and executives in catalyzing further progress in science, technology, and innovation. The article also notes that breakthrough innovation often happens when key insights are transferred from one field to another. Read the complete article here.
April 21, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that we have added new speakers to our lineup! These talented individuals bring diverse expertise to our event, and we can't wait for you to hear from them. Check out all speakers of Curious2024 here.
April 11, 2023
In a recent TV episode of "SWR Aktuell Rheinland-Pfalz," the upcoming Curious2024 Conference was mentioned as an event to look forward to. The news segment highlighted the conference's focus on innovation and creativity, as well as its impressive lineup of speakers and workshops. Watch the episode here!
April 06, 2023
We are delighted to announce that the Curious2024 - Future Insight Conference will take place on July 10-11, 2024, both in-person in Mainz, Germany, and online! We are excited to bring together an exceptional group of researchers, innovators, and leaders from around the globe for what promises to be a fantastic conference. Join us - United by science for a better tomorrow!
March 21, 2023
Our excitement is building as preparations for Curious2024 conference are now officially underway!
The first keynote speaker invitations have already been sent out, and you can expect to hear from some of the most influential thinkers and experts in their respective fields.
Registration is now open, and anyone interested in attending Curious2024 is encouraged to secure their spot as soon as possible. Early-bird pricing is currently available, so now is the perfect time to sign up and join in on the conversation: https://www.curiousfutureinsight.org/tickets/
March 06, 2023
Are you interested in joining a community dedicated to researching current trends and shaping the future together? Then Future Insight e.V. is the right place for you!
Become a member today and embark on a journey into the future with like-minded people. Sign up now by visiting our website: https://www.curiousfutureinsight.org/about-us/
Let's explore science together and shape the world of tomorrow!
February 23, 2023
As curious minds, we are always keen to learn more about brilliant scientists having received one of the Top Global Science Prizes. Therefore, we compiled a list of the most important scientific awards and added a direct link to look up the recipients. Check out the complete list!
February 03, 2023
We are pleased to announce the opening of the ticket shop for Curious2024! We offer a variety of ticket options for you to choose from. Customize your experience and make the most of the conference. Get your tickets for the Curious2024 Future Insight Conference now!
January 06, 2023
The year started with an extremely interesting paper published in Nature "Papers and patents are becoming less disruptive over time.", https://lnkd.in/eec5ZmVv showing that scientific work is increasingly less likely to produce true game changers. While the underlying reasons are not entirely clear the authors propose that a main factor is the decline of diversity in work cited, reflecting a tendency of researchers to expose themselves to narrower and narrower slices of existing knowledge. This is a strong argument to further foster the interdisciplinary dialogue, connecting researchers between fields. This is exactly what we do with the Curious Future Insight Conference. https://lnkd.in/dFzyNP9 that covers all relevant areas of science. Other reasons given are a tendency to refer more to the same old previous work plus more self-citations, in summary a narrower scope of existing knowledge is informing contemporary discovery and invention. Maybe we can add an increased pressure to develop short-term results rather than long term thinking, less willingness to enter risky new research areas plus an increased burden of bureaucracy and administration for researchers over time?
January 03, 2023
Wishing you and your family a happy healthy and successful new year 2023!
Start it with an action towards a bright future and become a member of the Future Insight e.V. association NOW.
Fill out the membership form and send it back to us.
https://www.curiousfutureinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/Future-Insight-Membership-Form-Englisch.pdf
November 01, 2022
Look forward to more Curious Future Insight conferences in the coming years under a new logo!
The new logo symbolizes the amalgamation of the iron rule of science with the golden rule of ethics to celebrate a bright and peaceful future.
Learn more about us.
October 26, 2022
Linkedin Post by Belén Garijo!
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of being prepared. Even though this pandemic is not over yet, we must be ready to anticipate and prevent the next one. It´s encouraging to see organizations like the World Health Organization taking the lead to build an inclusive global framework for pandemic preparedness. But one critical element is still required: a comprehensive early warning system to monitor all circulating viruses and bacteria worldwide to detect potential threats before it is too late. That´s why Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is putting €1 million on the table with our 2023 Future Insight Prize. We are looking forward to getting the candidatures that are on the right path to develop a global pathogen surveillance and monitoring system.
October 21, 2022
Applications wanted for the Spinoff Prize!
The Spinoff Prize is an award for early stage university spinoff companies from around the world. It gives visibility to academic entrepreneurs and their companies and helps them secure future investment.
We invite applications from spinoffs that translate original, high-quality scientific research into products and services that address market problems and make a positive impact on society. Learn more here.
October 20, 2022
This week we published the awarding of the Johann Anton Merck Award 2022 to Stephen Jackson, the recordings of the Nature Award Science in Shorts and keynotes by our speaker Özlem Türeci. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
October 13, 2022
Watch your favorite Curious2022 talks on-demand! This week we published the awarding of the Future Insight Prize 2022 to Tobias Erb and keynotes by our speakers Leslie G. Valiant and Michael Gorman. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
October 06, 2022
We published keynotes by our speakers Daniel Nocera, Sally Rockey, Jörg Tremmel and Janine O’Keeffe. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
September 29, 2022
Missed some talks? This week we published keynotes by our speakers Klaus Müllen, Rafael Laguna de la Vera and Phil Baran. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
September 22, 2022
This week we published keynotes by our speakers Linda A. Hill, Chihaya Adachi and Jennifer Chan. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
September 15, 2022
Watch your favorite Curious2022 talks on-demand! This week we published keynotes by our speakers Peter C. Doherty, Sara Seager and Stefan W. Hell. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
September 08, 2022
This week we published keynotes by our speakers Robert Huber, Robert Boehme, Andrew Dzurak and Jarryd Pla. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
September 01, 2022
This week we published the awarding of the Keeling Curve Prize 2022 moderated by Jacquelyn Francis, Lukas Mörchen and Frederique Seidel, the AAAS/Science Roundtable – Can AI Save the World? moderated by Orla Smith and Tim Appenzeller and the panelists Joanna Bryson, Murray Campbell and Catherine Havasi, as well as the keynote by our speaker Ron Naaman. Visit our media library to watch the videos now!
August 25, 2022
Congratulations to all abstract winners of the Curious2022 Future Insight Conference that presented their research during the Ignite Session! Watch the talks of Fred Phillips, Iuliia Myrgorodska, FaehzanAhmad, Cécile Echalier, Siegfried Schindler, Dragana Savic, Eleonore Eisath, Xin Lai and Marek Checinski now and on-demand: Complete Ignite Session and Winner Ignite Session.
August 11, 2022
This week we published keynotes by our speakers Jean-Marie Lehn, Johann-Dietrich Woerner and Noam Slonim. Visit our media library to watch the videos now: https://lnkd.in/esxT3Kxe
August 04, 2022
Keynotes by our speakers Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Martin Rees and Maria Leptin are now live. Visit our media library to watch the videos now: https://lnkd.in/esxT3Kxe
July 28, 2022
Watch your favorite Curious2022 talks on-demand! This week we published keynotes by our speakers Moritz Helmstädter, Dietmar Harhoff and Christina Smolke. Visit our media library to watch the videos now: https://lnkd.in/esxT3Kxe
July 20, 2022
Missed some talks? In the coming days and weeks we will make many of the talks available in the media library on this website - stay tuned!
July 15, 2022
The Wall Street Journal, ChemistryViews, ZEIT and stern report on the 2022 Future Insight Prize Winner.
July 14, 2022
What a fantastic event, many thanks to all speakers, partners and participants for making the Curious2022 Future Insight Conference so unique. All helpers and organizers thank you for making the conference possible!
July 14, 2022
Today is the last day of Curious2022 Future Insight Conference! Watch prerecorded keynotes, attend workshops and meet the winner of the 2022 Future Insight Prize. Enter here.
July 13, 2022
Don't miss information about our future events. Sign up for Curious2024 here!
July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022
Congratulations to the Winner of the Ignite Session Eleonore Eisath! Learn more about her company beworm.
July 13, 2022
Congratulations to the Winner of the 2022 ScienceFluencer Award Clemens Steinek! Explore his videos here.
July 13, 2022
The second day of the Curious2022 Future Insight Conference begins! Do not miss exciting keynotes and lectures. Enter here.
July 12, 2022
July 12, 2022
Welcome to the Curious2022 Future Insight Conference! Enter here.
July 11, 2022
Only 1 day to go until Curious2022 Future Insight Conference! Download the latest agenda as a PDF here.
July 08, 2022
All participants should have received their ticket now! In case you have not received your ticket please contact info@future-insight.org
July 07, 2022
The Future Insight™ prize is awarded to honour outstanding achievements in science and technology that help to realize visionary dream products important for humanity.
What are your dream products? Which products or technologies do you think should be developed within the next 35 years? What are your dreams for a bright future where science & technology can contribute to make a difference? Post them on our Dream Board.
July 05, 2022
Only 7 days to go until Curious2022 Future Insight Conference! Check out the agenda and find exciting talks on your favorite topics!
June 30, 2022
We are excited to give an overview of the workshops at Curious2022. You want to participate in a workshop? Get your ticket, sign up for the conference and register for a workshop!
June 28, 2022
Special AMA Circle with our Partner the European Space Agency added: "Introducing AI at ESA: Challenges, current status, lessons learnt and future advancement from a human centric perspective"
Explore the complete agenda for Curious2022 here.
June 23, 2022
Are you looking forward to Curious2022? Check out our speakers' books and reading recommendations and dive into the conference topics now! Download the full list here
May 20, 2022
For the occasion of the Curious2022 – Future Insight™ conference, we have created a Milestones of Science poster in collaboration with AAAS/Science. Click here to download this vibrant poster and learn about some of the most important milestones of humankind.
If you will be attending Curious2022 on site, make sure to collect a printed copy at the Merck exhibition booth!
May 13, 2022
Many global challenges threaten our ability to live longer, healthier, and more sustainably. Science and technology can help us find the solutions. The Curious2022 - Future Insight Conference from July 12-14 brings together Nobel Prize winners and further leading scientists. With this video we invite you to join the conference in Darmstadt, Germany or online. Watch on Linkedin or Twitter.
March 24, 2022
New fantastic speakers added! Explore all our speaker here.
February 24, 2022
Make Science Not War - looking at the threat of war and growing tensions around Ukraine, sign the Darmstadt science declaration today at curiousfutureinsight.org/darmstadt-science-declaration.
February 02, 2022
Check out this whitepaper by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Oxford Economics on The State of Scientific Research Productivity
January 04, 2022
We wish all participants of the forthcoming Curious2022 – Future Insight Conference a happy new year, best of health, success and happiness and look forward to many exciting days building jointly a better tomorrow united by science.
December 20, 2021
We are sad to announce the loss of Nobel Laureate Robert H. Grubbs. Robert Grubbs, the Victor and Elizabeth Atkins Professor of Chemistry at Caltech, passed away on December 19, 2021. We offer our deepest condolences.
October 6, 2021
Congratulations to Benjamin List for winning the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Benjamin was a keynote speaker at the Curious2018 – Future Insight Conference.
August 18, 2021
Newsweek reports on the 2021 Future Insight prize. Read more here.
July 22, 2021
Event summary of the 2021 Future Insight days is now available - click here!
July 15, 2021
Enthusiastic statements from participants of the 2021 Future Insight Days: Read the statements here!
July 13, 2021
June 25, 2021
Nature Outlook the Spinoff Prize 2021 now live! More details here.
July 13, 2021
Future Insight Prize 2022: send in proposals.
June 8, 2021
Read about our Future Insight Activities in the May / June 2021 edition of The European Business Review!
June 7, 2021
Almost 1,500 people have already signed up to join the 2021 Future Insight Days and registrations keep coming in. If you have not done it yet, sign up today!
May 27, 2021
Anja Karliczek, Minister for Education and Research of Germany, will give the laudatory speech for the 2021 Future Insight Prize
April 22, 2021
Katalin Kariko - mastermind behind the RNA vaccines - has signed the Darmstadt Science Declaration
April 20, 2021
Agenda of the 2021 Future Insight Days online!
April 19, 2021
EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel to kick-off 2021 Future Insight Days
January 15, 2021
At the beginning of the year 2021 the organizer of the Curious- Future InsightTM Conference Ulrich Betz has been appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as a member of the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat).
December 23, 2020
The Future Insight™ Days 2021 will take place July 12-14, 2021, to celebrate excellence in science and technology even in challenging times. The three-day event features the awarding of the Merck Future Insight Prize that comes with a targeted 1.000.000 EUR research grant, the Spinoff Prize as well as the Johann Anton Merck Award. Find out more.
December 22, 2020
Due to the global SARS-CoV2 pandemic we have made the decision to postpone the Curious – Future Insight Conference to the new date: July 12th – 14th, 2022. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is the number one priority.
This crisis shows once again that the progress in science and technology needs to be accelerated and Curious – Future Insight Conference – is the place to help achieve that, to solve the challenges of today and to enable the dreams of a better tomorrow.
December 1, 2020
The Curious2018, Future Insights in Science and Technology book is among the top used publications on SpringerLink that concern one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Find out more here.
November 18, 2020
The Spinoff Prize applications have been extended to December 14, 2020. Apply here.
November 17, 2020
This week our new campaign started - United by Science - United for Science. Find out more here.
November 10, 2020
Science can create a better tomorrow. Today we’re joining UNESCO in celebrating Science for and with Society on World Science Say. Our initiatives are driven by the belief that science can solve the challenges of today and enable the dream of a better tomorrow for humankind. Find out more.
November 2, 2020
Apply for the Spinoff Prize by November 15th! The Spinoff Prize is a Nature Research award in partnership with Merck.
October 7, 2020
We congratulate Emmanuelle Charpentier, keynote speaker at Curious2018 – Future Insight Conference, for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020!
October 1, 2020
The Curious2021 – Future Insight Conference will run as a hybrid on-site/online event.
June 30, 2020
The Spinoff Prize established by Nature Research in partnership with Merck showcases and celebrates global excellence in the commercialisation of research through the creation of spinoff companies. Find out more about the Spinoff Prize, the finalists, and the jury here.
May 08, 2020
The Future Insight™ Virtual Event will take place on July 13th, 2020, and it will feature the awarding of the Merck Future Insight Prize and the Nature Research Spinoff Prize. Further information will folllow.
May 4, 2020
Due to the global SARS-CoV2 pandemic we have made the decision to postpone the Curious – Future Insight Conference to the new date: July 12th – 14th, 2021.
The safety and wellbeing of participants are number one priority and given the high number of COVID-19 infections throughout the world, it is impossible to hold the international gathering in July this year.
This crisis shows once again that the progress in science and technology needs to be accelerated and Curious – Future Insight Conference – Science for a better tomorrow – is the place to help achieve that, to solve the challenges of today and to enable the dreams of a better tomorrow.
March 31, 2020
Currently the Jury of the Merck Future Insight Prize and the Jury of the Merck-Nature Spin-off Prize are evaluating top candidates and are working on selecting the winners for 2020.
March 16, 2020
Curious2020 – Future Insight Conference - SARS-CoV2 Update:
At this point in time we plan to run Curious2020 as planned but are monitoring the further pandemic situation daily. In case the situation does not get better and the conference cannot be run as planned we may either virtualize the event or postpone it to a later point in time or move forward with a mixture of both options. In case the event is virtualized or postponed to 2021 tickets for 2020 remain valid. Stay healthy.
March 5, 2020
Nature will host a set of 3 panels on day one of the Curious2020 Conference discussing several topics revolving the future of food.Find out more here.
March 3, 2020
The 2020 Research Grants and Research Challenges of our platinum sponsor Merck are live.
February 24, 2020
Deadline approaching – apply now for the Spinoff Prize a Nature Research award in partnership with Merck.
February 12, 2020
The agenda is online now! Find out more.
December 09, 2019
Submit your abstract now and present your current work, projects, and research at the Curious2020 - Future Insight Conference. Find out more here.
November 30, 2019
Applications are now open for The Spinoff Prize — a new award for early stage university spinoff companies from around the world. Shortlisted spinoffs will pitch in front of a live audience at the Curious Future Insight Conference 2020. Find out more here.
November 25, 2019
TICKET SALES is open NOW
Be part of one of the world’s most renowned gatherings of the brightest scientists and most accomplished entrepreneurs to explore the future of science and technology. Get your 3 days conference ticket here.
October 17, 2019
Submit your proposals for the 2020 Future Insight Prize winner now!
The 2020 Prize will be given out to honor outstanding achievements in the field of Multi Drug Resistance. Read more.
August 16, 2019
The Curious2018 book is available now. Order here.
July 09, 2019
Future Insight Prize: € 1 Million Research Grant Awarded for the First Time. Read more.
May 07, 2019
This month the Jury meets to determine the winner of the Merck Future Insight Prize, Merck’s annual up to 1 Mio Euro gift to humanity for a better tomorrow through scientific advancement. Find out more.
December 11, 2018
A report from curious 2018 media partner Nature: an innovative conference that aimed to create a new future — not just predict one: Read more.
November 24, 2018
Begin by reading this article: The Darmstadt Science Declaration is described in the Angewandte Chemie Int.
November 06, 2018
Science / AAAS Webinar "Technology breakthrough of the year: Compelling science driven by curious minds" - Register here to watch the 2-hour recording moderated by News Editor Tim Appenzeller that includes illustrious panelists representing a broad range of fields.
October 10, 2018
Submit your applications for the 2019 Future Insight Prize for pandemic protection until 31. Dec 2018.
At the occasion of its 350th anniversary, Merck is looking to stimulate innovative solutions to solve some of humanities greatest problems - the two stage application process is now open. The 2019 Prize will be given out to honor outstanding achievements in Pandemic Protection. Read more.
October 03, 2018
Congratulations to Frances Arnold, speaker at Curious2018 – Future Insight Conference for winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2018
August 25, 2018
The media gallery is now live with the first videos. Check back soon for more content.
August 15, 2018
Two International Stevie Gold Awards for the Holistic concept for Merck's 350 anniversary year scientific activities track „Curious2018, FutureInsightPrize, Anniversary Innovation Cup” in the categories "Innovator of the Year" and "Executive of the Year - Pharmaceuticals". Learn more.
August 12, 2018
More than 550 signatories to the Darmstadt Science Declaration. Find examples of individuals who signed here.
July 27, 2018
Participant gave us their fantastic feedback. Read the results of our survey here.
July 27, 2018
Sign the Darmstadt Science Declaration, a global call to action to devote more resources to the advancement of science & technology.
July 20, 2018
Science Webinar "Technology breakthrough of the year: Compelling science driven by curious minds" - Now available on request
July 20, 2018
ChemViews Magazine published an article covering the Curious2018 conference. Read the article here.
July 19, 2018
Greetings from the Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek. Read her message here.
July 18, 2018
Thank you for your participation in Curious2018! More than 1.200 participants from all over the world helped to make this a truely unique event!
July 12, 2018
Coming to Curious2018? Do not forget to download the app which will help to guide you through the conference!
June 19, 2018
Not attending Curious2018? Watch the Science AAAS Webinar here.
May 24, 2018
Curious2018 is coming closer! Make sure to book your hotel and flights. For your convenience, we have identified preferred hotels in Darmstadt and Frankfurt. Click here to get a list of these hotels.
May 16, 2018
Huge interest in free tickets for Curious2018. More than 1.000 applications from scientists, entrepreneurs and industry representatives from all over the world!
May 15, 2018
Media Briefing Deck now available in English. Click here.
May 8, 2018
Media Briefing Deck now available in German. Click here.
April 24, 2018
Due to exceptionally high interest, we have decided to extend the application deadline one additional week to May 8th – apply now here.
April 12, 2018
Merck sponsored Angewandte Chemie International Edition now available. Read more here.
April 6, 2018
Is your company active in the fields drug discovery, biotechnology, performance materials, or digitalization?
Book yourexhibition booth at the Curious2018 Conference and present your company’s portfolio to a top audience. Meet and network with 1000+ scientists, innovators, and business developers from businesses and universities throughout the world focusing on the future of science and technology.
The exhibition booths come fully furnished including screens and two participation tickets with access to the full conference.

March 18, 2018
Merck sponsored HBR article "Breakthrough Innovation in the 21st Century" now available. Click here.
March 16, 2018
"Merck - Fighting Disease for 350 Years" White Paper now published. Read more here.
March 8, 2018
Nature Outlook the Future of Medicine published with support from Merck at the occasion of its 350th anniversary.
Click here to read more.
February 6, 2018
Merck celebrates it's 350th anniversary. Read more in the press release.
February 1, 2018
With more than 2200 applications globally for the 2018 Innovation Cup, we have achieved a new all time record – this reflects the growing reputation of the Innovation Cup at innovation hotspots all over the world!
January 30, 2018
Interested to join Curious2018? Free slots are available! Apply here.