Ethics Day: Science and social transformation in times of polycrisis

The Ethics Day of the Faculty of Communication and Environment at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is an event that deals with ethical issues in various areas, particularly in science, technology and society. The fifth Ethics Day took place under the motto “Who will save the world? Shaping transformation in times of polycrisis” at the Kamp-Lintfort campus.

As part of this Ethics Day, the Competence Building team of our TransRegINT project, represented by Dr. Vanessa Meinen and Dr. Klaus Krumme, invited participants to a workshop on the topic of “Science’s contribution to social transformation”.

Social transformation as a topic in science

This workshop presented new approaches and understandings of science and its potential. The workshop shed light on how ethical principles can shape the relationship between science and society and which new ways of collaboration result from this. Innovative forms of cooperation such as transdisciplinary projects and citizen science, which can contribute to more profound solutions, were discussed.

Do we need new forms of social cooperation?

Scientists have long been calling for action against the threats to our livelihoods and economies. Movements such as “Fridays for Future” illustrate the urgency of a comprehensive transformation with their appeal “Listen to Science”.

The central question of the workshop was whether the mere provision of knowledge and the subsequent implementation of solutions by society is sufficient to bring about the necessary changes. Could science not develop greater potential for change if it worked more intensively with various social actors?

Workshop atmosphere with brainstorming session

After a technical input from Dr. Klaus Krumme, the participants were divided into two groups to develop creative ideas and approaches in brainstorming sessions. At the end, the results were brought together and discussed in plenary. The event provided space for creativity and exchange. The feedback was consistently positive; the participants expressed a desire for further involvement and continuation of such formats. This feedback will serve as a basis for future workshops and initiatives.

Collaboration as the key to social transformation

Dr. Klaus Krumme and Dr. Vanessa Meinen emphasized that collaboration between science and society not only offers opportunities for more profound solutions, but also puts science itself and our understanding of social transformation to the test. Ethical considerations played a central role here, both as guiding principles for the science system and as a driving force for a reorientation of social cooperation.