This trans-Atlantic symposium will explore how culture, science, technology and sustainable design shape the future of our societies. Taking place in a year in which the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, the symposium engages with a central aspect of the American self-image: the persistent drive to look ahead and to explore new horizons.
The program is inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” speech, which framed exploration, innovation and social progress as essential to national and human advancement. The symposium also highlights how this “American spirit” has shaped developments in Germany. From post-war reconstruction and the establishment of democratic institutions to the consolidation of close transatlantic ties, Germany’s political, economic and cultural landscape has been deeply influenced by cooperation with the United States. Today, both countries face shared questions regarding science, technology, social innovation, and cultural exchange.
Next Frontiers will bring together experts from the United States and Germany to discuss these issues across several thematic areas, architecture and space exploration, through capital and technological innovation, through democratic governance, and through culture.
Besides UoC NY Office Executive Director Dr. Eva Bosbach and intern Imân Bodenstein, the University of Cologne will be represented by Professor Dr. Stephan Hobe, Director of the Institute for Air Law, Space Law and Cyber Law at the University of Cologne, who will contribute his perspective on questions of outer space and global governance as a speaker on the panel Who "Owns" the Moon? Establishing Norms in the New Space Race".
The symposium is conceived and organised by 1014, in partnership with the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York, the American Council on Germany, and the University of Cologne’s North America Office.
Registration is now open.
More information about the program is available on the event website. You can register here on Eventbrite for the entire program or individual sessions, such as “International Relations: The Outer Space Frontier II: Panel Discussion" with Professors Dr. Hobe and Dr. Gioia Rau.