Universities in transition: society-oriented research for the future!

Universities in transition: society-oriented research for the future!

Universities are faced with the challenge of increasingly aligning their academic excellence with the needs of society. Professor Thomas F. Hofmann, President of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), emphasizes the importance of this rethinking. He warns of the negative consequences that can occur if elite universities alienate themselves from relevant social issues. The concept, which Hofmann calls “Society-centered Research & Innovation”, is intended to ensure that innovations are created responsibly and trustworthy in order to meet social challenges.

To achieve this goal, TUM launched the Munich Design Institute (MDI). This integrative research institute brings together various disciplines to develop transdisciplinary innovation potential and promote exchange between science and society. Loud tum.de The MDI relies on close collaboration between designers, industry partners and citizens. This is intended to help develop solutions to key future issues that are accessible to everyone.

Integrative approaches for the future

Professor Annette Diefenthaler highlights that design plays a key role in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Through various methods and processes, complex topics should be designed in such a way that they are understandable for people with different levels of education. In this context, Diefenthaler speaks of “future literacy,” which enables individuals to understand various future scenarios and make informed decisions. This sense of self-efficacy is considered essential to strengthening hope for a future worth living.

The idea of ​​involving society more closely in the scientific process is not new, but it is becoming increasingly important in light of current global crises such as climate change and pandemics. Loud rifs-potsdam.de Social expectations of science are higher than ever. People demand a solid knowledge base and support in researching and solving complex problems.

Transdisciplinary research in focus

In recent years, transdisciplinary research approaches have proven to be particularly important. These approaches aim to integrate various scientific disciplines while leveraging expertise from practitioners and citizens. The founding of the Society for Transdisciplinary and Participatory Research is an example of efforts to systematically promote these approaches. Various publications, including those by Martina Schäfer and others, have examined the effectiveness of transdisciplinary projects and illuminated their social effects. These studies promote reflection on the roles that scientists can play in society.

In view of the global challenges, it is essential that research is not only interdisciplinary, but also transdisciplinary. Scientists must strive not only to generate new knowledge, but also to apply it in society. The combination of theory and practice is seen as the key to overcoming future social challenges.

In summary, the transformation of universities into society-centered institutions is both a current need and a fine work that requires time and committed collaboration to sustainably solve future problems.