The year 2016 is dedicated to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
 

Planning has commenced for the 370th anniversary of the birth of the universal scholar and the 300th anniversary of his death

2016 represents the 370th anniversary of the birth of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and the 300th anniversary of his death – he was born on 1 July 1646 in Leipzig and died on 14 November 1716 in Hannover. Plans for how to observe these two anniversaries are already underway.

Under the leadership and at the suggestion of Professor Wenchao Li, endowed Leibniz professor at Leibniz Universität Hannover, a number of institutions are planning to hold joint events such as ceremonies, congresses, exhibitions, memorial publications and readings, in addition to theatrical performances, musical recitals and anniversary celebrations. The events, which will be open to the general public, are mainly expected to be held around the time of the Xth International Leibniz Congress, from 18 to 23 July 2016, and again on the anniversary of his death on 14 November 2016. Professor Wenchao Li has invited presidents of Leibniz societies in France, Italy, Japan, Israel, Spain and North America to Hannover in May 2013 to assist in preparing for the congress. The current planning group consists of representatives from the following organisations and companies:

• Leibniz Universität Hannover
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Library
• Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz-Gesellschaft
• Potsdam Leibniz Edition of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities
• The Volkswagen Foundation
• VGH Versicherungen
• Hannover City of Science

2016 not only marks the 370th anniversary of the birth of Leibniz and the 300th anniversary of his death – it is also the year in which the Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz-Gesellschaft celebrates its 50th anniversary. In addition, the Xth International Leibniz Congress will be held in 2016: some 350 Leibniz researchers from over 30 countries will attend the congress.

The youngest jubilarian will be Leibniz Universität Hannover, which has borne the universal scholar’s name since 2006, enabling it to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The University sees its name as an obligation for the future, and has undertaken to actively and regularly commemorate its namesake. Its objective is to pursue Leibniz’s tracks, integrating them firmly into life at the University.

Notes for Editors:

For further information, please contact Mechtild Freiin v. Münchhausen, NTH Press Spokeswoman, Leibniz Universität Hannover Press Spokeswoman and Head of Communications and Marketing, phone: +49 511 762 5355; e-mail vonMuenchhausenzuv.uni-hannover.de, who will be pleased to assist.

Meldung vom 21.12.2012