Since 2011, the International Congress of Belarusian Studies has been the world’s largest and most important academic event dedicated to Belarus. From its inception, it has offered a unique forum where representatives of the Belarusian academic and civil society communities can discuss the country’s history, politics, society, and culture independently of political influence from Belarus or other states.

The 12th Congress will take place from 25 to 27 September 2025 for the first time in Germany – at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Around 450 participants are expected, including approximately 350 attending in person in Berlin, complemented by further online contributions.

Of particular interest to the wider public are the opening and subsequent plenary sessions on 25 September (Invalidenstraße 42, Lecture Hall 10). These discussions will focus on the future perspectives of Belarus in Europe and the state of academic freedom in the region. Speakers include, among others, Prof. Dr. Gwendolyn Sasse (ZOiS/HU), Prof. Dr. Susanne Frank (HU), and Michael Nowak (German Federal Foreign Office), along with other international experts.

On 26 September, the annual Congress Prize for outstanding publications in Belarusian studies will be awarded (Dorotheenstraße 24, Fritz-Reuter-Saal). In addition, the Congress will feature more than 50 panels across 13 thematic sections as well as round tables, which provide space for in-depth analyses and expert discussions.

Guest registration is required by 20 September. The continuously updated programme and the registration form are available via the following links:

Programme: https://www.icbs.lt/en/_files/ugd/e243e9_c18b7231b0b14d4cb9e6bf7155a02d22.pdf

Congress page: https://www.icbs.lt/de/berlin-2025

Registration: https://www.icbs.lt/en/post/registration-for-guests-media-and-volunteers