Science for Society
© Barak Shrama Where would we be without science? In 2026, the DWIH will focus on facilitating dialogue between researchers and the public with its focus topic, “Science for Society”: How can science communicate its findings successfully and make its huge benefit for society even more visible?
A modern society would be unthinkable without science. Electricity, the internet, medicine, clean drinking water and modern agriculture are all the result of centuries of research, experimentation and understanding. Yet an increasing number of people are approaching science with scepticism, fuelled by politically motivated simplifications and the deliberate dissemination of so-called ‘alternative facts’. Science is also accused of operating in isolation and not considering the “real” concerns of people. Consequently, many citizens want the scientific community to communicate in a more understandable way.
In this sense, the value of science is measured not only by its innovative power, but also by its accountability, transparency, and potential to encourage participation. In 2026, the German Centers for Research and Innovation (DWIH) will focus on the social significance of research with ‘Science for Society’: How can the dialogue between science and society be strengthened? How can trust in the knowledge generating power of science be maintained and restored? How can the added value of scientific findings be made more visible to citizens? Which formats and structures promote community engagement and the social impact of research?
Explaining science better
Explaining science as a method of gaining knowledge is crucial. Science communication of high quality can help to achieve this. The strength of science lies in its iterative nature. In complex situations in particular, scientific findings may need to be revised several times. This is a sign of strength, not a weakness. New information leads to new theories that build on old approaches — an iterative process that ultimately provides increasingly accurate predictions and offers the best possible guidance for difficult decisions.
If this potential is communicated clearly and transparently, it is easier to counter scepticism towards science. The Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany believes that “it is the responsibility of society as a whole to clarify the difference between opinions and scientifically verifiable findings, to communicate scientific results in a clear, comprehensible and understandable way, and to counter populist-motivated distortion of facts”.
“Informed, creative societies are founded on scientific knowledge and expertise. Science enables us to better understand and overcome the present and future challenges we face together. This requires an open and fair dialogue between science and society. Research results and the options for action derived from them must be made transparent by science, which must also explain them and be open to questions and expectations from citizens. Mutual exchange strengthens and secures a society's innovative power, competitiveness and cohesion. This understanding shapes the DWIH-focus topic, 'Science for Society'. As international platforms for exchange and transfer, the DWIH-Network translates the aspiration for an open, dialogue-oriented scientific system into practical formats at the intersection of science and society.“Professor Dr. Walter Rosenthal, President of the German Rectors' Conference
Mission-oriented research and open science
Science has a duty to society to swiftly implement scientific findings—without restricting the freedom of basic research. Alongside excellent results, the concrete benefits for society — their ‘societal impact’ — are becoming increasingly important. Consequently, the discussion about ‘mission-oriented research’ calls on universities to focus on a third task alongside research and teaching: transferring knowledge and technologies into practice.
This also raises the question of how application-oriented research can become firmly embedded in society. The current consensus is that challenges should be solved not only ‘in’ and ‘for’ society, but also ‘with’ it. The aim is to make research more participatory. One important approach is ‘open science’, which involves providing open access to data, publications and collaborations, as well as participatory formats such as citizen science, real-world laboratories, dialogue series and open workshops. These formats enable different social groups to become involved in research processes at an early stage.
Germany’s contribution to socially relevant science
Germany has a diverse and international science system that is aware of its responsibility to society. In many regions, universities, non-university research institutions, cultural and educational establishments, start-ups and local authorities collaborate closely. The aim is to make knowledge easily accessible, address regional needs and develop solutions together with citizens. Science journalism, science festivals and dialogue formats promote public engagement and demonstrate how research findings can be applied in everyday life and professional practice. As part of the European Research Area, Germany promotes framework conditions based on rules and values that strengthen quality, integrity, and participation.
The DWIHs help to bring science and society closer together through their global network: They connect researchers with companies, administrations, the media and civil society initiatives, set regional priorities and facilitate international exchange of best practice. They raise awareness of findings, develop joint solutions, and promote transfer-oriented cooperation. At the same time, the DWIHs facilitate spaces for constructive yet challenging debates and foster trust in the methods and values of science. In this way, they promote social impact without compromising the freedom of curiosity-driven research, making “Science for Society” a living practice.