The second Transatlantic Big Science Conference (TTBSC) 2024 has officially started in Berlin, uniting key figures from the realms of science and politics from across the United States, Europe, and beyond. Taking place from 27 to 28 June, this landmark event aims to enhance transatlantic cooperation in research and technology, fostering sustainable and reliable partnerships to address global challenges and set the groundwork for common research policies.

Panel discussions and thematic tables during the conference focus on pressing issues driven by scientific insights, for example as quantum technologies, digitalisation, fusion research, health research as well as international scientific collaboration. One focus will be research on the significant impact of climate change, evidenced by increasingly frequent extreme-weather events. Renowned experts will also discuss science diplomacy, fostering cooperation with the Global South, and supporting scientific endeavors in Ukraine.

Helmut Dosch, Chairman of DESY’s Board of Directors and one of the hosts of the conference, is delighted to welcome an exceptional assembly of scientific minds and policy leaders: “In an era of unprecedented global challenges, it is imperative that we strengthen our transatlantic partnerships to drive forward science and innovation. This conference represents a unique opportunity to forge sustainable collaborations that will shape the future of science and innovation."

The conference with 160 participants is organised by DESY in collaboration with Carnegie Science and support by partnering institutions: the Helmholtz Association, the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, the Körber Foundation and the American Institute of Physics (AIP). The TTBSC builds on the success of the inaugural conference held in Washington, DC in 2022 and underscores the pivotal role of the transatlantic partnership in driving scientific innovation and economic prosperity.

Notable speakers and representatives from the organising institutions include Lise Korsten, President of the African Academy of Sciences; Paweł Rowiński, President of the European Association of Science Academies ALLEA; Gerald Haug, President of the Leopoldina; Cornelia Denz, President of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt PTB; and Joseph Broz, Vice President of Quantum Supercomputing Programs at IBM. Additionally, Sigmar Gabriel, former Federal Minister and Chairman of Atlantik-Brücke, will contribute his insights alongside other distinguished representatives from various scientific disciplines.

For more information and a complete list of participants, please visit www.transatlanticscience.org.