Back to the Present

Lange Nacht Der Wissenschaften
On the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften ('Long Night of Sciences'), Berlin's many universities open their doors to visitors to show in an educational and entertaining way how science is 'made' in various disciplines.

Centre for British Studies' Masters students open Humboldt University's historical Senatsaal to the public for an evening of interactive, academic and fun activities, catering to a wide audience from experts to toddlers. Our aim is to demonstrate the interdisciplinary and wide-ranging expertise held at the Centre by introducing iconic moments from Britain's past decades.

Beginning with the post-war migration of the Caribbean ‘Windrush Generation’, Back to the Present explores the influence of politics and pop-culture on modern Britain. The programme tackles topical, critical and overall fascinating subjects from race issues in Harry Potter, to the LGBT movement’s role in miners’ strikes, and Spice Girls’ effect on women’s rights.

On a more casual note, we also offer various fun activities such as the quintessential British pub quiz, a Polaroid booth to see how you fit into historical moments, and a children’s corner to keep the little ones entertained. All of this, naturally, accompanied by British delicacies, plenty of ale and lager, and of course tea. One mustn’t forget the tea.

Back to the Present – Moments that Made Modern Britain aims to bring together people from various backgrounds to a fun and educational evening. Organised entirely by students of the Centre for British Studies Masters' Programme, the event reflects the work we do, and more broadly the work done by interdisciplinary scholars everywhere.

A vibrant part of Berlin's cultural life, the Lange Nacht is made of small events running on small or non-existent budgets – just like our event. By making a small donation, you can ensure that we are able to e.g. invite innovative expert speakers from different fields and cover their travel costs, provide materials for the children's corner to keep the kids entertained and provide refreshments to be served at the bar. Every penny counts, and we're using all our wits finding imaginative ways of making the most of what we have!

The funded sum represents a part of our budget and will be spent on guest speakers' travel costs, materials for the Kid's Corner, and prizes for the Pub Quiz. Part of the sum will be dedicated to marketing materials, such as printing flyers and posters.