Wagnis, Mut, Verantwortung – Vortrags- und Diskussionsreihe 2025/26

The present confronts us with great challenges and demands courageous decisions. We must not deceive ourselves but face reality with clear eyes, ready to take on the changes that are needed—even when they are painful. The climate crisis has not disappeared simply because we pay it less attention at the moment.

And though many can hardly bear to hear more news from Ukraine, that war is far from over. It may seem easier just now to be outraged by the U.S. President, but that does nothing to ease the problems facing our economy.

In this situation, we are called to act — true to the long-standing motto of the Polytechnicians: “Virtue lies in action.” Yet action requires risk, courage, and responsibility. And that is precisely the focus of the season from September 2025 to June 2026: fearless perspectives on reality, determined political, economic, and social engagement, a willingness to take risks, and civic courage.

The Polytechnic Society lives by the values of the Enlightenment. It is committed to culture, science, social issues and a vibrant urban society. In keeping with this spirit, it has repeatedly founded associations, institutions, schools, etc. in Frankfurt throughout its 200-year history in order to promote education, stimulate innovation and alleviate hardship. Some were temporary, while others continue to exist today, such as the Frankfurter Sparkasse, founded in 1822, and the Wöhlerschule.

Six institutes are closely associated with the Polytechnic Society as subsidiary institutes: the Frankfurt Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Arts and Crafts Association in Frankfurt am Main e.V., the Institute for Apiculture, the Kuratorium Kulturelles Frankfurt e.V., the Association for the Promotion of Chamber Music and Young Musicians e.V. and the Polytechnic Society Foundation. They are committed to the goals of the parent company and continue to receive significant financial support from the Polytechnic Society to this day.

The most recent foundation was established in 2005 with the Polytechnic Society Foundation. By selling its shares in Frankfurter Sparkasse to Hessische Landesbank, the Polytechnic Society was able to endow its foundation with approximately €400 million in capital.

In addition, the Polytechnic Society has been organising a series of lectures for more than 150 years, addressing current topics and opening them up for discussion. The lectures and panel discussions with experts from many different fields of research and professions are aimed at the interested public. Participation is free of charge.

The annual awarding of the Polytechnic Society's Chamber Music Prize and the promotion of other projects round off the spectrum of its activities. The approximately 350 members of the Polytechnic Society are personally and voluntarily involved. They are independent, experienced, well-connected and open to new ideas.