In an era marked by growing polarization and misinformation, science finds itself in a dual role: both a target of increased skepticism and a potential force for unity. Although public confidence remains relatively strong, recent studies reveal increasing instances of hostility toward science, highlighting the need for new ways to foster trust and connection across divides.
Recent findings indicate that while a majority of people in Germany still trust in science (Wissenschaftsbarometer 2023), there are alarming signs of growing rejection and even hostility. Nearly half of scientists surveyed in a representative study (DZHW 2024) report experiencing at least one form of anti-scientific hostility, with 10% facing severe threats. These tensions underscore the need for science not only to share knowledge but also to foster trust, empathy, and inclusive dialogue.
Under this year’s annual theme, "Common Ground," this challenge invites participants of Berlin Science Week to imagine ways science can better contribute to social cohesion and resilience, equipping individuals with tools to navigate a rapidly changing world. Could we rethink how complex facts are communicated? How might science better inform decision-making? And could embracing diverse perspectives in research help science foster greater understanding across society?
Why Participate?
The results of this survey will be evaluated in collaboration with ASU Decision Theater and will be published through Berlin Science Week.
Who can Participate?
This challenge is open to all participants of Berlin Science Week 2024.
Further Reading
Wissenschaftsbarometer 2023 – Repräsentative Bevölkerungsumfrage zu Wissenschaft und Forschung DZHW 2024 – Blümel, Clemens. 2024: Anfeindungen gegen Forschende: Eine repräsentative Studie des Projektes KAPAZ. Kurzdossier über die Berichterstattung. Hrsg: Deutsches Zentrum für Hochschul- und Wissenschaftsforschung GmbH.Challenge Hosts
Berlin Science Week
Berlin Science Week is an international gathering that brings together leading scientific organizations and innovators to share insights and explore the impact of science on society.
Decision Theatre
Decision Theatre is a collaborative platform that uses data visualization and interactive environments to support decision-making and engage diverse stakeholders in complex problem-solving.
Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung
The Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung conducts cutting-edge research in the fields of human development, education, and societal change, aiming to advance scientific understanding of cognitive and social processes.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a leading public research institution known for its innovative approach to education, commitment to inclusivity, and impactful research across a wide range of disciplines.
Challenge Context
This challenge is organized in the context of Berlin Science Week 2024 by Falling Walls Foundation, and organized in collaboration with Decision Theatre, Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung, and Arizona State University.
175 Ratings
AI Personalizes Science Outreach Revolution
- AI could personalize science outreach, enhancing engagement and trust among diverse audiences.
- Educational reforms might stress science literacy, critical thinking, and media literacy against misinformation.
- Open science and interdisciplinary projects could address global challenges with diverse perspectives and collaboration.
In the future, an AI-driven personalized science outreach might emerge as a transformative force. AI could tailor scientific information to individual likes and backgrounds, fostering increased trust and engagement among diverse audiences. Social media could promote citizen science projects, enabling the public to participate in significant research areas such as biodiversity and health. The integration of Virtual Reality might allow immersive experiences, offering a unique perspective into scientific environments while promoting understanding of complex issues.
Educational systems might undergo reform, with a mandatory science literacy curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and media literacy, aiming to arm future generations with the skills to discern scientific consensus from misinformation. Digital platforms could facilitate structured debates among scientists, policy-makers, and citizens on controversial scientific topics, ensuring informed decisions based on verified data.
Funding might prioritize research from underrepresented communities, providing a richer diversity of perspectives. Open science could drive cross-border collaboration, fostering innovation and addressing global challenges through collective evidence-based solutions. Interdisciplinary projects and science communication might become pivotal, tapping into social sciences to better understand and alleviate inequalities. The integration of science into political discussions might bridge divides, making the world more equitable and enhancing society's ability to tackle pressing issues collaboratively.
Headline: Science Festivals Unite Communities
- Local science festivals could transform abstract concepts into accessible, engaging experiences for communities.
- Science Communication Ambassadors can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday life.
- Emphasizing open science could foster diverse ideas, collaboration, empathy, and unity in society.
In the envisioned future, communities might host vibrant local science festivals that transform abstract scientific concepts into tangible experiences, making them accessible and engaging for all. Diverse Science Communication Ambassadors could play a crucial role by reaching out to various demographics in schools, workplaces, and community centers, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday life. At a broader societal level, televised forums might become a staple, offering an unvarnished view into the dialogue between scientists and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of presenting science with its inherent uncertainties and fostering fact-based discussions.
This future could see science as a beacon against extremism, providing a rational foundation to navigate the complexities of modern ideologies. While optimistic about the potential of science to shape our society positively, there is a slight pessimism regarding the emerging trend toward individualism and division. An ideal future might be one where open science fosters an environment ripe with diverse ideas and creative collaboration, encouraging empathy and understanding of our shared existence. Such a future might emphasize collective efforts, enriching self-realization through diverse perspectives and strengthening the bonds of companionship and unity.
Science and AGI: Futures Hope
- Science advances could help tackle climate crises, conflicts, and inequalities using adaptability and resilience.
- AGI may transform society, correcting injustices and improving conflict mediation and truth assessment.
- Societal obstacles like political inertia may hinder progress; prioritizing common good is essential.
In a future driven by scientific progress, humanity might see pivotal advancements in addressing global challenges. Science could play a vital role in enhancing our capacity to tackle climate crises, geopolitical conflicts, and social inequalities, leveraging human resilience and adaptability to forge a better future. Trust in scientific insights, coupled with a commitment to truth, might be essential for these efforts to succeed. However, the challenge remains in shifting public perception and encouraging adherence to science amidst prevalent misinformation and disbelief.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) might offer unprecedented societal transformation. If harnessed effectively, AGI could address historical injustices and provide transparency in discourse by distinguishing between truth and falsehoods. It could enhance mediation in conflicts, identifying shared interests more effectively than humans, thus fostering unity and cooperation.
Despite these possibilities, societal obstacles such as political inertia and individual self-interest might impede progress. For science to fulfill its potential, political leaders could need to prioritize the common good beyond personal or narrow gains. Bridging divides and creating transparency might be crucial for societal growth, allowing everyone to better understand diverse perspectives and live in a more cohesive, collaborative world.
Science Shapes Future Governance Policies
- Policy-making may integrate scientific assessments, aligning decisions with scientific insights and encouraging scientists in politics.
- Science education might emphasize humility, flexibility, and evidence, fostering adaptable future generations.
- Recognition of science’s uncertainties might promote diverse worldviews, integrating traditional wisdom with scientific understanding.
In the future, policy-making could be deeply informed by scientific assessments, ensuring government decisions are closely aligned with the latest scientific insights. This integration of science into governance might encourage a shift where scientists increasingly venture into politics, bridging the realms of scientific inquiry and policy execution. Collaborative platforms could flourish, enabling scientists and the public to work together on local issues like pollution, harnessing a shared pool of data and resources.
Society might increasingly recognize the value of science as a tool for education, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology in teaching humility and flexibility in the face of evidence. As schools adopt this philosophy, a new generation could emerge, more inclined to change their perspectives upon encountering new facts. However, this potential transformation encounters challenges; the persistence of ideological divides and outdated beliefs suggests that mere facts may not suffice to dispel misinformation.
Simultaneously, a growing acknowledgment could arise that science cannot offer absolute truths, given its normative perspectives and inherent uncertainties. This could lead to a broader acceptance of diverse worldviews, integrating traditional wisdom alongside scientific understanding. Enhanced awareness might bring societies closer, yet also introduce tensions around power dynamics and perceived superiority.