War in Ukraine, the threat of a nuclear strike, finite energy resources, the resurgence of authoritarian governments, fears of a loss of prosperity and the polarization of society - everything seems different, nothing is certain anymore. How should science react? Do we have to leave familiar paths and rethink theories? If debates are to have far-reaching consequences, courage and a willingness to engage in dialogue are needed. In addition to politics, the sciences are also called upon to strengthen society. (How) can the sciences help to create trust? How do the Museum für Naturkunde and the Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin react to the end of certainties?
From the perspective of the natural and social sciences, we will discuss the much-vaunted turn of the millennium. In doing so, it is also a matter of very concretely grasping scenarios: What do these changes mean for young and old people, for single parents and families? How can public spaces for encounters be preserved in the face of empty coffers? How do political actors and institutions deal with the new uncertainties? What does the turn of the times mean for international politics, especially for Europe? What data access and information does science lack to capture change? What can we achieve in climate and environmental protection when less money is available? How do planetary crises such as climate change, species extinction and pollution affect food production, water and air quality? Against such a backdrop, what is the connection between people, wildlife, and ecosystems? What does this mean for an understanding of health and disease?
Event information
- Panel Discussion: The End of Certainties - and the Tasks of Science
- 30.11.2022, 19:00 (admission 18:30)
- Admission is free
- Please register under this link
Speaking on the panel:
- Prof. Johannes Vogel. Ph.D., Director General Museum für Naturkunde Berlin - Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity
- Prof. Dr. h.c. Jutta Allmendinger, Ph.D., President Social Science Research Center Berlin
- Dr. Nike Sommerwerk, Research Associate Museum für Naturkunde Berlin - Leibniz Institute for Evolutionary and Biodiversity Research
- Dr. Christian Rauh, Research Fellow, Department of Global Governance, Social Science Research Center Berlin
- Moderation: Boussa Thiam
- Event is held in german
Further information
The event is part of the joint series "Wissenschaft, natürlich!" by the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) and the Museum of Natural History (MfN) Berlin.