New Spaces. Creative Thinking. Shared Futures.

The Next Frontiers symposium is a trans-Atlantic symposium exploring how culture, science, technology, business, politics, and design will shape the future of our societies. Taking place in 2026, when the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it reflects on a defining national characteristic: the enduring drive to look forward.  

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” speech, the symposium looks not only on the nation’s rich historical foundation but also on its tradition of imagining what comes next. Kennedy challenged the nation to continue embracing the pioneer spirit of exploration, innovation, and social progress, emphasizing that the pursuit of new frontiers is essential to national and human advancement.

Throughout American history, leaders have returned to this language of renewal and possibility. President Ronald Reagan, in his farewell address, picked up the forward-looking theme, describing the United States as a nation strengthened and continually renewed by people “from every country and every corner of the world,” whose energy and aspirations carry the country toward ever new frontiers.

The "American Spirit" has influenced, not only the U.S. but also, Germany. From post-war reconstruction to the establishment of democratic institutions and strong trans-Atlantic ties, Germany’s modern political, economic, and cultural landscape has been profoundly shaped through collaboration with the United States. Today, both nations continue to navigate new frontiers - whether in science, technology, social innovation, or cultural exchange.  

Building on this shared legacy, the symposium brings together leading experts from the U.S. and Germany to explore the next frontiers across multiple fields while emphasizing the historical bonds and shared aspirations that have connected our nations and driven global progress for the past 80 years.  

Part I of the symposium will take place on May 7 & 8, 2026 and Part II is scheduled for September 2026.

PART I: SHAPING THE NEXT FRONTIERS

Where do we go from here?  

Part I of Next Frontiers symposium explores how societies actively shape their future — through architecture and space exploration, through capital and technological innovation, through democratic governance, and through culture. If Kennedy’s “New Frontier” called for bold expansion, today’s frontiers demand intentional design, ethical business models, and trans-Atlantic collaboration.

From planetary resilience and space governance to sustainable investment and immersive storytelling, Part I examines how the United States and Germany are not simply approaching the next frontier but actively defining it together.

REGISTER FOR THE WHOLE DAY II OF THE SYMPOSIUM HERE!

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FALL 2026: Part II: DELIVERING THE NEXT FRONTIERS

How do we get from here to there?

Part II of The Next Frontiers symposium examines how discoveries and innovations are translated into tangible outcomes. From quantum computing and AI to synthetic biology, regenerative materials, neuroscience, and sports science, this one-day program explores the practical frontiers of human potential and technological advancement.

Across sessions, leading experts from the United States and Germany will highlight emerging applications, cutting-edge research, and forward-looking strategies that transform ideas into products, technologies, and experiences, demonstrating how the next frontiers are being delivered in practice and how collaboration drives progress.

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Thank you to our program co-hosts and partners, the ACG, DWIH, and the University of Cologne North America Office, as well as to Vitra for generously hosting us for our opening reception and keynote. Thank you also to Campus OWL, Deutsches Haus at NYU, Goethe Institut New York, Heidelberg University Association, and UA Ruhr North America for your support.