9th European Day of Foundations

Veronika Eyring: Act now!

The urgency is now beyond question: to prevent the Earth from turning into a greenhouse planet, emissions must be drastically reduced. This can only be done now - and not in ten years' time, says Professor Veronika Eyring from Bremen. At the Day of Foundations - traditionally held on 1 October each year - the world-renowned climate researcher and lead author of the current World Climate Report presented the various scenarios at the Haus der Wissenschaft. It could hardly be more threatening.

Engaged panel, engaged audience

The central role played by science, science communication and foundations in the climate crisis was discussed on the podium following Eyring's lecture. The panel included: Kay Wenzel (Science Department), neuroscientist Dr Udo Ernst, foundation director Alexander Witte, founder Dr Rita Kellner-Stoll, Germany scholarship holder Fenja Meyer and Prof Eyring. Radio journalist Lisa-Maria Röhling moderated the discussion and the lively debate that followed.

There was a consensus that science needs more attention and must be better publicised. It is not sufficiently supported as a location factor. The conclusion was that science needs to reach society. Donor involvement can make an important contribution here. One result of the Foundation Day: the science-orientated foundations in Bremen want to network more closely. They are committed, inventive and often provide the icing on the cake for many a scientific project with their funds.  

2021: a premiere

Foundation Day has been held annually in Bremen since 2013. The 9th Foundation Day was a premiere in several respects. For the first time, there was a two-part format with well-attended workshops in the morning and an event in the afternoon. The Founders' Day was also open to the general public. In addition, the Foundation House organised the day of action for the first time in cooperation with the University of Bremen Foundation: As such, the Founders' Day is a key pillar of the university foundation's Macht-Sinn campaign. The Wolfgang Ritter Foundation was also a sponsor.