From 12 to 15 September 2024, the Society of German Natural Scientists and Physicians met for its 133rd assembly at the Griebnitzsee Campus of the University of Potsdam. Many who could not be there in person participated via livestream. The conference focused on the topic “Science for Our Tomorrow’s Life”. The student programme with pupils from the region and university students has been a fixed part of the GDNÄ conferences for years. The establishment of the Young GDNÄ during the conference in Potsdam increases the importance of young people in the 202-year-old research society. At the 133rd meeting, the young people discussed with renowned scientists, including Nobel Prize winner Ben Feringa. 

“I think it’s great how we young people are given a platform here. And that we are allowed to participate in the conference free of charge and with great appreciation – in the lecture hall, in panel discussions and in conversations on the side,” says Anne Marie Bobes. The 18-year-old high school graduate and future mechanical engineering student won the GDNÄ Science Slam “Science in 5 Minutes”. 

Paul Mühlenhoff, the pedagogical director of the GDNÄ student programme, says: “This year, we had a particularly strong sense of cohesion and an enormous amount of enthusiasm in the group. The Young GDNÄ prepared intensively for all the lectures and was more integrated into the programme than ever. Chapeau!” 

GDNÄ President Professor Heribert Hofer says: “The young people, our Young GDNÄ, find excellent science and interdisciplinary work and direct dialogue with the lecturers at our events. That is what makes the GDNÄ conferences so special. And anyone who missed the livestream this time can soon watch all the lectures as videos on our homepage.” 

The 134th assembly will take place in Bremen in September 2026.