Science Fiction Congress by ZIRP

📍 Pyramide Mainz, Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
📅 20 October 2026 | 13:30–19:00

The Science Fiction Congress, organised by the Zukunftsinitiative Rheinland-Pfalz (ZIRP), explores the relationship between science fiction, technological development and the futures we imagine.

The congress brings together perspectives from science, business, culture and society to examine how fictional visions can inspire innovation, challenge assumptions and stimulate discussions about technological and societal change.

For futures and foresight practitioners, the event offers an opportunity to explore science fiction as a way of questioning present-day developments and imagining alternative futures.

The 2026 congress focuses on visions for 2045, asking which futures are possible, what society should aspire to achieve, and how emerging technologies might transform everyday life.

The programme includes keynotes from futures researchers Isabella Hermann and Kai Gondlach, a contribution from Caelan Tatz of 21st Europe, an exploration of Mars research with planetary geologist Daniela Tirsch, and an interactive futures session led by Max Irmer.

Companies including SCHOTT and BASF will present technologies and visions for 2045, alongside an exhibition of innovations from Rhineland-Palatinate. The congress aims to develop new perspectives on possible futures for the region and Europe through exchanges between politics, business, science, culture and society. zirp.de