Designing Political Participation: Humbolt Residency Program in Wiepersdorf

Humboldt-Residency Program 2026 at Schloss Wiepersdorf

From August 3 to 14, the eleven participants of the Humboldt Residency Program of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation gathered at Schloss Wiepersdorf.

The goal of the residency program is to foster transdisciplinary dialogue and the interconnection of diverse perspectives, and to build a bridge between science and society. To this end, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation brings together an international and transdisciplinary group of researchers, artists, journalists, and practitioners who, over the course of the six-week residency, will explore a topic of global social relevance.

The theme for 2026 is “Democracy 2.26: Designing Political Participation.” Under this title, participants will explore, among other things, issues of political participation, models of deliberative and participatory democracy, and the challenges of political representation and accessibility for minorities.

This topic offers a special connection to Wiepersdorf’s rural surroundings: On August 5, right at the start of the residency, the international group met with local representatives for a productive discussion on local politics in Brandenburg and Teltow-Fläming.

For more information about the program: Humboldt Foundation Residency Program