Research with impact: the new research strategy for sustainability of the Federal Government was presented at the FONA Forum 2026
From 24 to 25 June 2026, the FONA-Forum once again brought together experts from science, politics, business, and civil society to discuss the new FONA research strategy, which was presented by the Federal Minister Dorothee Bär at the opening of the forum. The theme for the FONA-Forum 2026 was “Science. Prosperity. Transformation – Research with Impact”. Dr. Ulrike Eberle from corsus took part in the event.
Future-proof technologies, the circular economy and social innovations are crucial to overcome contemporary crises. Research for sustainability not only provides the necessary knowledge, but also drives future-proof value chains, prosperity, and societal resilience. Central were new cooperations as well as specific impulses for effective research and forward-looking solutions, from energy transition and circular economy to green urban development, biodiversity, marine protection and climate change.
At the beginning, the Federal Minister Dorothee Bär from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technologie and Space presented the new strategy “Research for sustainability – a driver for prosperity and transformation”, which was already being eagerly awaited. In a subsequent panel discussion, State Secretary Dr. Rolf-Dieter Jungk discussed the new FONA strategy with Prof. Dr. Ricarda Winkelmann, Founding Director of the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology; Dr. Anne Lamp, CEO and founder of traceless materials; and Prof. Dr. Thomas Brück, holder of the Werner Siemens Chair of Synthetic Biotechnology at TU Munich. The discussion focused on how the required transformation can be implemented. Clearly, transdisciplinary solutions are the key to success.
An exhibition tour with insights from the FONA-strategy as well as a World Café under the theme of “effective research under the umbrella of the new FONA-strategy” deepened the lively exchange and shaped the course of the afternoon.
The following day, the stage was dedicated to young researchers and their experiences. The variety of innovative approaches with smart solutions from diverse perspectives was particularly exciting. Following a keynote by Danjel Višević, General Partner and Co-Founder of the World Fund, on the financing and scaling of Climate Tech, the research strategy and transformation pathways were discussed in a Fishbowl format. It was clear that technical solutions should not be considered in isolation from social innovations and potential ecological impacts in order to be successful. At the end of the forum, State Secretary Dr. Rolf-Dieter Jungk summarised the forum’s key findings.
The FONA Forum 2026 took place at a pivotal time: investments in clean technologies, the circular economy and social innovation are booming worldwide. Sustainability research is the central driver of this development – it creates the basis for groundbreaking innovations, economic value creation, long-term prosperity and a resilient society.
