Scientific models stand at the heart of discovery. They enable us to  conceptualize intricate mechanisms, render complex systems intelligible,  and translate empirical observations into coherent explanations. Yet  models do far more than merely represent the natural world: they shape  what we take reality to be. This symposium invites a critical examination  of that dynamic relationship.

This symposium brings together scholars from chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, and philosophy to explore how we construct, interpret, and evaluate scientific models. Across three days of focused discussion, participants will examine profound questions at the foundations of scientific practice.

Do mathematics and computation function as the natural language of the sciences, or should they be viewed instead as enabling frameworks guiding inquiry? What constitutes a successful model of a chemical or biological phenomenon? How do abstract mathematical, computational, and verbal representations interface with empirical experimental work? And can we identify principled ways of navigating among these diverse modes of reasoning?

The Beilstein Dialogues are designed to promote genuine interdisciplinary  exchange among researchers who rarely have the opportunity to engage in  sustained conversation. The intimate format encourages open, rigorous, and  occasionally provocative discussion, often yielding insights that  transcend disciplinary boundaries.

Set on the heights of the Rheingau, overlooking both the historic town of Rüdesheim and the Rhine river, the symposium will offer an intellectually vibrant environment in which to reconsider the foundations and future of scientific modelling. We warmly invite participants to join us for a meeting that aims to challenge assumptions, inspire new collaborations, and deepen our understanding of how scientists render the complexity of nature comprehensible.

General

Conference Venue: Hotel Jagdschloss Niederwald, Rüdesheim, Germany.

Accommodation: Invited speakers will have rooms reserved at the venue hotel based on their registration forms. Participants are kindly asked to arrange their own accommodation.

Meals: Lunches, dinners and coffee breaks will take place at the conference venue.

Poster: Participants can apply with an abstract for a poster slot. A poster slot includes both a short oral presentation as well as the presentation of the poster during the poster session.

Language: The language of the symposium is English.

Dress: Casual/informal.

Abstract book: Names, institution addresses and email addresses will be published in the abstracts book that is handed out to all participants.

Photographs may be taken during the symposium which subsequently may be published on the Beilstein-Institut website and in our social media channels.

 

Conference Program

The meeting will be held from 23 to 25 June 2026 with the 22^nd and the 26^th for traveling.

In the evening of the 22^nd there will be a welcome reception followed by dinner.

The scientific program will take place over three days and will start at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 23^rd, and end in the late afternoon on Thursday, the 25^th.

The setting and the limited number of participants (max. 50 persons) provide a very convivial atmosphere for the ready exchange of thoughts and ideas.

 

Expenses

Please note that there is a conference registration fee, i.e. EUR 200 to be paid to the Beilstein-Institut.

Poster presenters are waived this conference registration fee.

The accommodation (including breakfast) at the Hotel Jagdschloss Niederwald is 516 EUR per person for four nights.

In addition, the conference hotel charges any participant with EUR 419 (conference package fee) which covers the costs for meals, coffee breaks, beverages during the meeting etc. whether you are staying overnight at the conference hotel or at alternative accommodations.

With their registration, participants and speakers accept Beilstein’s Terms and Conditions of participation in our symposium and confirm their consent to the Privacy Policy information.

 

 

Liability and Insurance

The Beilstein-Institut will not be liable for any accident, theft or damage to property, nor for any delays or modification in the program due to unforeseen circumstances.

Participants and accompanying persons are advised to arrange for their personal travel and health insurance.