Working group currently on hold
Aim: The working group's aim is to take a closer look at the responsibilities of science in general and climate research in particular, whilst taking into account the connections between the climate crisis and other major societal challenges (including the COVID pandemic and the loss of biodiversity). It also aims to reflect on transformation as a subject of scientific research and societal transformative processes — especially the transition to climate neutrality — examining the extent to which climate research, climate researchers, and CCCA as an institution can and should support these processes.
Background: According to Eurostat, Austria ranks low compared to other EU countries in terms of interest in science and technology, scientific knowledge, appreciation of science, and trust in science. Science is not regarded by many as an independent, critical societal institution.
Guiding questions of the working group:
- How should the role and responsibility of science be understood in the face of today's major societal challenges?
- How does science need to change in order to earn society's trust?
- What needs to change so that researchers can live up to this understanding of science?
- How does CCCA intend to act in support of transdisciplinary research and as an agent of societal transformation?
Within the framework of the working group, a position paper was developed and published by CCCA in August 2024.
Lead: Lukas Meyer, lukas.meyer@uni-graz.at
Members and meeting participants: Tania Berger, Gottfried Kirchengast, Helga Kromp-Kolb, Anna Meyer, Lukas Meyer, Stephan Schwarzinger, Karl Steininger, Hans Stötter, Simon Tschannett.