discourse of bronnbach
thinking in advance
This series of events organised by the Wittenstein Foundation creates a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue between innovative research and relevant practice – with representatives from various organisations in the Main-Tauber region, but also from other related fields of experience.
In practical references and case studies, different areas of reality (technology, economy, politics, culture, society, administration...) are discussed across the events. Insights, suggestions and dialogues take place not only between science and practice, but are also facilitated between practice and practice. Particular attention is paid to unusual empirical relationships that only become apparent at second glance.
The use of Bronnbach Monastery as an extraordinary place of reflection is part of a wider range of activities relating to the future prospects of the Main-Tauber district.
second event
"stem are some subjects"
On November 28, 2025, the Wittenstein Foundation held the second event in its “Discourse of Bronnbach” series. Representatives from science, business, and education gathered at Bronnbach Monastery to discuss key new findings on STEM motivation among young people in the Main-Tauber region. The discussion was based on preliminary findings from the DynaMINT research project conducted by the MIND Center at the University of Würzburg, which is being funded by the Wittenstein Foundation with one million euros over a period of five years and will run until 2028.
Read here the press release.
first event
stem - why not?
Our new series of events kicked off on 19 November 2024. 12 regional representatives from science, business, politics and education discussed the topic of STEM in the Main-Tauber region, based on the ongoing research work of the MIND Centre Würzburg.
Participants:
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Agnes Birner, PhD student MIND Centre Würzburg
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Florian Frank, PhD student MIND Centre Würzburg
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Dr Markus Elsholz, Managing Director MIND Centre Würzburg
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Heiko Knebel, Managing Principal Bad Mergentheim
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Iris Lange-Schmalz, MINT-Region Main-Tauber e.V.
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Prof. Dr Kim Linsenmayer, Head of DHBW Campus Bad Mergentheim
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Prof. Dr Eckard Minx, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees
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Ursula Mühleck, Head of District Development and Education Main-Tauber-Kreis
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Dr Gunther Schunk, Chairman of the Board Vogel Stiftung Dr Eckernkamp
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Dr Sascha von Berchem, Managing Director
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Dr Anna-Katharina Wittenstein, Member of the Board of Trustees
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Dr Manfred Wittenstein, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Bronnbach Monastery is a former Cistercian abbey founded in 1151. In 1986, the Main-Tauber district acquired the monastery and had it renovated in several construction phases. The individual monastery buildings were gradually put to a new use while preserving the overall historical ensemble, and Bronnbach Monastery developed into a culturally diverse and revitalised centre.
Thematic change of focus from event to event
For the discourse of Bronnbach, the monastery provides the perfect backdrop for discussing fundamental questions about the "where to" of the region. These questions relate equally to socio-political, social, economic and technological challenges and potentials of the near and medium future. The latter against the background of the generally dynamic developments in technology and the economy, as well as the associated planetary challenges.