Choose Europe 2026 - Advancing Research, Innovation and Talent

Welcome to the 2026 Choose Europe Conference in Munich, Germany

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the European Commission cordially invite you to the second high-level conference of the Choose Europe initiative on 3 December 2026.

This conference celebrates the milestones and achievements of the Choose Europe initiative and showcases the diversity of opportunities that Europe has to offer, including but not limited to the Global Minds Initiative Germany.

Register here

What is “Choose Europe”?

The Choose Europe initiative is Europe’s joint response to the global challenges facing science, innovation and education. Its mission is to reinforce Europe’s position as a leading destination for excellent science, innovation and education.

The great variety of European, national and regional programmes that contribute to this goal provide exceptional opportunities for international talent to advance their careers in Europe.

Click here to find out more about the Choose Europe initiative.

Global Minds Initiative Germany

One of the national programmes contributing to Choose Europe is the Global Minds Initiative Germany. Launched in July 2025, the programme offers international researchers attractive opportunities to advance their careers in Germany. The Federal Government is funding the Global Minds Initiative with over 600 million euros. To date, X researchers have been selected for funding.

Click here to find out more about the Global Minds Initiative Germany.

Conference highlights

Opening Speeches: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany, will deliver the opening speeches of the conference.

Networking opportunity: On the eve of the conference, on 2 December 2026, you are cordially invited to an informal reception at the Hofbräuhaus München to meet in a traditional Bavarian atmosphere.

Testimonials: Hear from researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs from all over the world and across disciplines who have benefitted from the Choose Europe initiative.

High-Level Panels: The agenda features high-level speakers from politics, academia, research, industry and business, who share their perspectives on different dimensions of the Choose Europe initiative.

Closing Remarks: Professor Ferenc Krausz, who was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics, will deliver the final remarks.

Agenda

Speakers

Friedrich Merz

Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

Prof. Dr. Matthias H. Tschöp

President of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

Ursula von der Leyen

President of the European Commission

Ekaterina Zaharieva

European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation

Dorothee Bär

Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space

Location

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1
80539 München

Directions to the main entrance using public transport:

From Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)

Take the U4 (towards Arabellapark) or U5 (towards Neuperlach Süd) to Odeonsplatz station.

Transfer to the U3 (towards Olympiaeinkaufszentrum) or U6 (towards Garching Forschungszentrum) and ride to Universität station.

Exit the station using the staircase going in the direction of train travel – you will exit directly at the LMU main building.


From Munich Airport

Take the S8 (towards Herrsching) to Marienplatz station.

Transfer to the U6 (towards Fröttmaning) and ride to Universität station.

If you are travelling by car, please note: There is no parking available directly at LMU. A public car park is in walking distance (15 minutes, fee applies).

Hotels in Munich

Recommended accommodations in Munich

Overview

Registration on-site

Information on security issues and registration on-site

Time slot for registration xxx

Contact

Our organising team is here to support you.

Please contact us at:

Organising team of the Choose Europe 2026 Conference

Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25 | 13355 Berlin

email: contact@ce2026.de

phone: XXX