Heidelberg Karlsruhe Strategic Partnership HEiKA Day 2025: Science, Networking and Innovation

Bringing together the scientific communities of the two institutions and presenting current research – that is the concern of HEiKA Day, which Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are hosting. The event, which is open to the public, aims to stimulate new cooperation agreements and promote interdisciplinary exchange. The program includes short presentations and a display on joint research fields of the two institutions. A Matchmaking Corner offers the opportunity to meet partners for potential research collaboration. This year’s HEiKA Day, entitled “Science, Networking, Innovation”, is taking place on 21 October 2025 at Heidelberg University.

The Heidelberg Karlsruhe Strategic Partnership (HEiKA) forms the framework for common activities between KIT and Ruperto Carola, which work together in strategically important research areas, support for early-career researchers, teaching, and innovation. Teams of scientists involved in the HEiKA Strategic Areas of Research (HEiKA STAR) will present their investigations at the network meeting this year. Topics include the quest for light particles of dark matter, studies on the aromatic properties of metal compounds or researching the connection between physical activity and cognitive performance. An interactive display featuring various exhibits and demonstrators will give participants the opportunity to explore the research questions investigated by the HEiKA STARs in more depth and start conversations with the teams from Karlsruhe and Heidelberg. In the Matchmaking Corner those interested can find out about individual research projects mounted by scientists from different disciplines and levels of qualification, particularly with a view to sounding out the potential for cooperation.