What was Nature?

June 4 & 5, 2026

Despite laments about “the end of nature”, nature remains dynamic and constantly changing on multiple levels, as research across the disciplines documents. Evolutionary theory offers a powerful framework for understanding the ongoing transformation of life forms, without implying that they follow a predetermined direction. At the same time, human conceptions of nature have displayed a rich and ongoing history, ranging from nature as a divine creation to nature as an economic resource, a space for recreation, a threat to human life and property, or a fragile ecosystem in need of human protection. These shifting ideas about nature shape human interactions with it. Even if the term “Anthropocene” had never been coined, the history of how human ideas and actions have altered the trajectory of life on Earth would still inspire reflection. This year’s meeting invites you to join us in rethinking what nature means and has meant from the perspective of different disciplines.

5.30 p.m. in the Main Hall and Clubroom

Welcome and Reception

6 p.m. in the Large Seminar Room

David Blackbourn (History, Vanderbilt University, Nashville/Tennessee) 
Nature and Environment in Modern Germany: A Difficult History 
Moderation: Lorraine Daston

8 p.m. at the Wiko Restaurant

Dinner

Excursion to the Deutsches Historisches Museum

Meeting at 9.50 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Pei Building, 
Hinter dem Gießhaus 3, 10117 Berlin (Public Transport: S 7 to Friedrichstraße)

10 a.m.

Welcome
Raphael Gross (President of the German Historical Museum, tbc) 
Guided Tour of the Exhibition “Nature and German History: Faith – Biology – Power” 
Julia Voss (Curator of the Exhibit and Research Associate at the DHM)

2.30 p.m. in the Restaurant and on the Terrace of the Wissenschaftskolleg

Coffee and Cake

4.00 p.m. in the Large Seminar Room

Meeting of the Yearly Assembly of the Fellows‘ Club

5.00 p.m. in different rooms in Wiko‘s Main Building

Thematic Tables:

Franziska Neumann (Fellow 2025/2026, History, TU Braunschweig): Early Modern Urban Wastescapes

Brandon Kilbourn (Fellow 2014/2015, Biology, Berlin): Poems from the Collection „Natural History“

Leonie C. Moyle (Fellow 2025/2026, Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington): What was a Species?

Lorraine Daston (Fellow 1987/1988, History of Science, MPI Berlin): The Moral Authority of Nature

Ron Po (History, Fellow 2025/26): “Nature” in China

18.30 p.m. on the Terrace of the Wissenschaftskolleg

BBQ