Global challenges should be approached by bridging different cultures, nations, disciplines and, above all, generations. Thus, the Volkswagen Foundation invites about 100 early career
researchers from all parts of the world to Germany to participate
in the conference "Our Common Future".

In the course of the year 2010, these young researchers are offered the opportunity of an intensive intellectual exchange - among each other and with the members of the "Global Young Faculty". This exchange of ideas is both preparation for and contribution to the conference in Hannover and Essen.

The diversity of their perspectives, experiences, and questions will enrich and further the dialogue between generations and disciplines about the current and future challenges facing our increasingly globalized world.