Knowledge and Power – Science in Politics and Society

Be it pandemics, climate change or technological innovations – political decisions are in many cases dependent on scientific findings. At the same time, science and research are under increasing pressure and sometimes face conflicting expectations. On the one hand, their authority is being questioned and their independence restricted – not only in the USA but also in Europe, where anti-science sentiments and activities are on the rise. On the other hand, science and research are still regarded as drivers of progress. Many hope that they will provide solutions to pressing social problems.

Against this backdrop, we want to discuss the contribution that science can make in the context of democratic negotiation processes and the role of scientific policy advice. The conference aims to highlight the conditions and examples of constructive exchange between science, politics and society, but will also point out challenges for evidence-based politics.

The following questions are at the heart of this debate:

• What claim to validity can scientific findings make, and how can they be distinguished from opinions? How should uncertainty, dissent and contradictions within science be dealt with appropriately?
• How can provisionality and controversy be communicated appropriately? What is the best way to address complexity and uncertainty in an adequate manner?
• What role do traditional and digital media play in the perception of science – and in building or losing trust?
• How do scientists understand their role in politics and society, and how are scientific findings perceived?
• What significance does scientific knowledge have for the legitimacy of political decisions, and what other factors need to be taken into account?
• How can the different logics and interests of science, politics and society be brought into a productive exchange?