On 6 June 2026, the Magdeburg Science Harbour became a laboratory of the future as Tomorrow Labs returned for its second edition. Thousands of visitors explored more than 100 interactive events organised by the City of Magdeburg together with the city’s universities, research institutions, companies and civic initiatives, demonstrating how close cooperation between local government and higher education can strengthen innovation and community engagement.

Designed around the four thematic areas of Health, Technology, Earth and Society, the festival invited residents and visitors to engage directly with researchers through experiments, workshops, talks and demonstrations. The aim was not only to showcase cutting-edge research, but also to create an open and welcoming space where science could be experienced, discussed and connected with everyday life.

A defining feature of Tomorrow Labs was its festival atmosphere. Music performances by choirs and DJs accompanied the scientific programme, while cultural and creative initiatives were integrated throughout the event. This combination of research, culture and public participation highlighted a central idea: science does not exist in isolation. It is closely linked to art, music, sport and civic life, all of which help inspire new ideas and perspectives.

The choice of location was particularly symbolic. The Science Harbour, once a centre for trade and industry, has become one of Magdeburg’s most important innovation districts, bringing together universities, research institutes, technology companies and start-ups in a shared urban environment. Few places in the city illustrate transformation as clearly as this former harbour basin, where former industrial infrastructure now serves as a hub for research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tomorrow Labs represented more than a science festival. It demonstrated how city-university partnerships can create accessible public spaces for knowledge exchange, strengthen local innovation ecosystems and encourage dialogue between researchers and society. By bringing together the City of Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences and numerous regional partners, the festival showcased a collaborative model of urban development in which science becomes a visible and inspiring part of everyday city life.

Text: Felix Seecker, City of Magdeburg

Photo: Mattias Piekacz