Jürgen Renn

Jürgen Renn is the Founding Director of the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin and also serves as Founding Director of the newly established Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena since 2022. He holds Honorary Professorships in the History of Science at both Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin.

• Teaching roles at Boston University, ETH Zurich, University of Tel Aviv
• Visiting positions at CalTech, University of Vienna, Pavia

His research focuses on the structural evolution of knowledge systems across historical periods and cultures, with emphasis on globalization, cognitive dynamics, and material contexts. Complementary work includes transversal studies of knowledge dissemination, such as cross-cultural exchanges between Europe, China, and Arabic-Latin traditions. His theoretical framework for knowledge evolution integrates epistemic, social, and material dimensions, exemplified by studies on mechanics from antiquity to the 20th century and the history of modern physics (relativity, quantum theory).

Recent publications (2024) address topics like the steerability of scientific institutions and epistemic dynamics in the Max Planck Society's history, reflecting his ongoing interest in institutional science-society interactions. His The Evolution of Knowledge (2020) provides a macro-historical analysis of scientific development, linking it to challenges in the Anthropocene era.

Scientific Honors
• Abraham Pais Prize (2023)
• Francis Bacon Award (2014)
• Max Planck Communitas Award (2014)
• Premio Internazionale Marco & Alberto Ippolito (2014)
• Premio Anassilaos International (2011)

Renn pioneered the Digital Humanities movement and co-initiated the Berlin Declaration (2003) for open knowledge. He has curated major exhibitions like Leonardo’s Intellectual Cosmos and Albert Einstein – Chief Engineer of the Universe, demonstrating his commitment to public science communication.