The FUTUREXPLORATORYs are a special feature of the Mainz Congress, designed to bring sociology into dialogue with other disciplines and societal stakeholders. On three evenings, high-profile, transdisciplinary panel discussions will bring sociologists together with representatives from politics, business, civil society, and culture. Each discussion focuses on one of the pressing challenges of our time, including the futures of academic freedom, social inequality, the global climate, democracy, diplomacy and peace, and health.

From Tuesday to Thursday, each day at 5:15 p.m., one host and three guests will engage in focused, one-hour conversations exploring possible futures—not as fixed predictions, but as an open process of reflection and exchange. The FUTUREXPLORATORYs are a Mainz experiment that aims to present sociology as a science of the future in dialogue, creating space for unexpected perspectives, controversial debates, and productive intellectual challenges.

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

FXP01:
Futures of Academic Freedom

FXP02:
Futures of Peace and Diplomacy

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

FXP03:
Futures of Democracy

FXP04:
Futures of Class

Thursday, 1 October 2026

FXP05:
Futures of Climate

FXP06:
Futures of Health

The event is organised in cooperation with the podcast DAS NEUE BERLIN and the Rhine-Main Universities Alliance (RMU).

The FUTUREXPLORATORYs will take place in the Alte Mensa. Admission begins 30 minutes before the start of each session. Please bring your congress name badge with you.