Science on the Spree 2024: How do we stop fatal drug abuse?
In 2023, the number of drug-related deaths in Germany reached an all-time high. What measures are needed to save lives? Experts from research and politics met on an open stage to discuss this.
Effective policy decisions can only be made based on sound science. PÕ¾ÊÓƵ is, therefore, giving politicians and renowned scientists the opportunity to discuss the latest scientific findings, and suitable political measures, at its event series Science on the Spree. Importantly, the open and transparent format also aims to increase public trust in political decision-making.
Following last year's successful launch, Science on the Spree entered its second round on the 4th of November 2024 at the Tagungszentrum im Haus der Bundespressekonferenz (Conference Centre in the House of the Federal Press Conference) in Berlin. The event once again took place as part of Berlin Science Week.
The topic of the event: How do we stop fatal drug abuse?
According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), the number of drug-related deaths in Germany has roughly doubled over the past ten years. It reached an all-time high in 2023. What measures are needed to counteract this trend?
Our high-calibre panel:
Simone Borchardt MdB – Rapporteur for Drug and Addiction Policy, CDU/CSU
Linda Heitmann MdB – Rapporteur for Drug and Addiction Policy, Alliance 90/The Greens
PD Dr Robert Feustel – Institute of Sociology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Prof Dr Benedikt Fischer – Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University (Canada)
Prof Dr Ursula Havemann-Reinecke – Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen
The panel discussion was moderated by Katharina Menne, science journalist and editor at ‘Spektrum der Wissenschaft’. The event was opened by a welcome address from Prof Dr Norbert Scherbaum, Chairman of the Board of Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (German Center for Addiction Issues).