Chaired by Dr. Klaus Jacob, Comparative Politics / Environmental Policy Research Centre (FFU), FUB

Concepts such as Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) or Sustainability Research indicate the increasing demands and expectations of society in science to provide answers on the grand challenges. In order to deliver research relevant to society, scientists are expected to consider the views of stakeholders in transdisciplinary or co-designed projects. How does this relate with the current cultures of science? Are such approaches distracting from producing scientific publications and orientation on excellent research? How could reflexivity of research and engagement with society be further encouraged by universities? What would this mean for the governance of science? The extent to which science and research should have additional requirements in terms of the subject areas and the process of research is subject of controversial debate: Some put emphasis on the freedom and independence of research as an important achievement of modernity. Others argue that science should become much more involved in society and provide solutions in meeting the great challenges of society.