Venue: FIAS Hörsaal

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Wörner, the new Director of FIAS and former Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), shares his views on the future of space exploration. Afterwards, we invite you to join us for a festive Christmas get-together at the FIAS Faculty Club. Further details will follow soon.

Please note: The lecture will be held in German.

The fascination with the unknown has driven space exploration from its very beginnings and continues to shape our view of the universe. In this talk, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Wörner will guide the audience through a vivid journey across the history of spaceflight – from early engineering achievements and major scientific milestones to modern missions that have transformed our understanding of the cosmos.

He will highlight how space exploration advances science and technology, how it can serve as a bridge between nations even in turbulent times, and how deeply it influences everyday life through satellite navigation, communication, and Earth observation. Looking ahead, the talk will explore future missions, the renewed focus on the Moon, and the role of space exploration in inspiring the next generation.

Following the lecture, guests are warmly invited to a festive reception at the FIAS Faculty Club.

About the Speaker
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Wörner has served as Director of the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) since 2024. From 2015 to 2021, he was Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), where he was responsible for major scientific missions, the development of European launch systems, and international strategic partnerships.

Until his move to FIAS, he was a member of the Executive Board of acatech – the German Academy of Science and Engineering – actively contributing to the dialogue between science, policy, and society.

Prior to his leadership at ESA, he served as Chairman of the Executive Board of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and as long-standing President of Technische Universität Darmstadt. 

Recognized as one of Europe’s leading voices in space policy, he is deeply committed to open science, international cooperation, and fostering the next generation of scientists 

Further information & registration:

Event details:
Date: December 4th, 2025
Lecture begins: 6:00 p.m.
Reception: Following the lecture (pre-registration required)
Venue: FIAS Lecture Hall

Registration:
Participation in the event is free of charge. Due to limited capacity for the reception afterwards, we kindly ask you to register in advance at forum_at_fias.uni-frankfurt.de

About the FIAS Forum:
The FIAS Forum takes up current topics from the natural sciences and public debate four times a year—scientifically rigorous yet accessible. It provides opportunities for stimulating discussions on pressing challenges in scientific research and their impact on society.

After the lecture, you are invited to continue the conversation with the speakers and other FIAS scientists at a small reception.

register (mail to office)