The School for Talents Annual Program 2026 is dedicated to exploring the Polycene, a term coined by former Microsoft executive Craig Mundie and popularized by Thomas L. Friedman in his article for the New York Times. The Polycene describes the complex, highly interconnected era we live in. It marks a shift away from simple, binary ways of thinking toward a reality shaped by multiple, overlapping forces – technological, ecological, social, and political.

Experiencing Complexity

Participants will examine how rapid developments, such as artificial intelligence, or the growing impacts of climate change, trigger cascading effects across societies, economies, and systems of governance. Against this backdrop, the program focuses on a central question: How can individuals and communities organize, collaborate, and act effectively in an interdependent world?

Interdisciplinary Work and Collaborative Projects

The program equips participants with tools to work across disciplines, sectors, and perspectives. Through interactive workshops, excursions, and contributions from partners in science, society, and industry, students are encouraged to engage constructively with uncertainty and complexity. In addition, they will have the opportunity to develop self-chosen projects with peers, fostering collaborative thinking and innovative approaches to systemic challenges.