Premiere of the Smart Rebel Convention on the Frankfurt–Geneva route
Frankfurt/Geneva. – On 23 September, an ICE train hurtled through the countryside at 300 kilometres per hour, shattering old certainties in its wake. The train, converted into a "club train", became the stage for the premiere of the Smart Rebel Convention – a format that combines science, culture and dialogue between generations. The destination of the two-day trip: the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.
Science in time with the beats
To kick things off, initiator Bernd Breiter spoke about mental strength as the foundation for ideas that will shape the future. Shortly afterwards, theory and practice merged: while DJ Paul Lomax and his ensemble transformed the carriages into a club, scientists from CERN joined the journey in Karlsruhe. They explained the basics of particle physics with live experiments – vividly, captivatingly and without any academic heaviness.
A DJ booth between particle collisions
The highlight awaited at the destination: a DJ booth was set up for the first time in the control room of one of CERN's accelerator experiments. A symbolic location where data streams from collisions of particles at the speed of light are usually evaluated. Culture and cutting-edge research met here on equal terms. "The fact that CERN has placed its trust in us to perform in such a sensitive location is both a confirmation and an incentive," said Breiter. With partners such as Goethe University, he wants to build bridges between artistic creativity and scientific rigour. Representatives from CERN were also impressed: "This experiment has shown how culture, entertainment and science can connect people and bring generations together."
A beginning with global aspirations
The trip was the start of a series of events. The actual Smart Rebel Convention begins in Frankfurt on 29 October with a sponsors' dinner. The aim is to enable young talents to participate free of charge. Livestreams will also be used to reach a global audience – a global dialogue on issues of the future.
"This is just the beginning," sums up Breiter. "Only those who take new, courageous paths can answer the pressing questions of our time."
