#Denmark #Copenhagen #United Minds #Niels Bohr #Open World Conference

A New Era of Scientific Collaboration

On November 19, 2025, Denmark proudly unveiled the unique public art installation, 'United Minds'. Designed to highlight the importance of collaborative work in science, this sculpture series challenges the long-held belief in the genius of solitary scientists, celebrating instead the collective efforts that fuel innovation. The installation coincides with the opening of the Open World Conference 2025 and pays tribute to the 75th anniversary of Niels Bohr's pivotal Open Letter to the United Nations.

Celebrating Collective Achievement

The 'United Minds' sculpture features not only a striking bust of Niels Bohr but also the likenesses of his famous scientific collaborators, including Margrethe Bohr, Oskar Klein, Yoshio Nishina, and even iconic figures like Albert Einstein and Marie Curie. This artistic representation seeks to redefine how we recognize scientific achievements by focusing on the collaborative spirit that leads to groundbreaking discoveries.

As Asbjørn Overgaard, CEO of Copenhagen Capacity, stated, "This art installation represents something larger than artistic expression. It positions Copenhagen at the forefront of global scientific collaboration. Through the United Minds initiative, Denmark reasserts its commitment to scientific excellence through teamwork, stable funding, and exceptional quality of life."

The Legacy of Niels Bohr

Niels Bohr’s vision is more relevant than ever. In his 1950 Open Letter, he called for global transparency and cooperation in the age of atomic energy. This vision resonates significantly today as we face modern challenges that require a united global effort. Theis Lange, Head of Department and Professor at the University of Copenhagen, remarked, "Bohr understood that our common vulnerabilities demand shared solutions. His vision of an 'open world' is crucial in paving the way for a safer, more innovative future."

A Call for International Collaboration

With the unveiling of 'United Minds', there is a clarion call to scientists around the globe. The complexities of today—including climate change, global pandemics, and rapid technological advances—cannot be tackled in isolation. Camilla Ploug, Creative Director, emphasized, "This installation serves as an invitation to scientists, researchers, and innovators to embrace the collaborative spirit that has historically been instrumental in scientific progress."

Open World Conference 2025

The sculpture unveiling marks the commencement of the Open World Conference 2025, a three-day event focused on discussing how openness and trust can help in resolving the pressing global issues of our time. The conference brings together leaders, scientists, and policymakers to foster collaborative solutions that align with the wisdom encapsulated in Bohr's original letter.

The 'United Minds' sculpture will be showcased at the University of Copenhagen (Frue Plads 4, 1165 Copenhagen), where the public is invited to engage with this extraordinary symbol of scientific collaboration and international partnership. Media opportunities for interviews and photography will also be available, further emphasizing the importance of this initiative.

For those who wish to learn more, the campaign's website offers detailed information about the initiative: A State of Denmark. Overall, 'United Minds' not only stands as a tribute to the past but encourages a collaborative future in which innovation knows no borders.