Science and democracy: dialogue for a more resilient society!

Science and democracy: dialogue for a more resilient society!

On June 10, 2025, the opening event of a new series of discussions organized by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Art and Culture (HMWK) took place in the Gießhaus of the University of Kassel. This initiative aims to bring science and political decision-making closer to citizens and to jointly develop perspectives for a resilient democracy. The event was entitled “Resilient democracy through participation – what perspectives does science offer” and offered a space for dialogue between various social actors.

Participants in this important event included, among others, the Minister of Science Timon Gremmels, the University President Prof. Dr. Ute Clement and the moderator Prof. Dr. Felix Welti. In his opening speech, Minister Gremmels emphasized the urgency of dialogue between science, politics and society. Central questions were discussed, such as how participation in political processes can be promoted and how research perspectives can be transferred to society. Gremmels took a clear stance against historical revisionism and anti-Semitism.

responsibility of science

Prof. Dr. Ute Clement emphasized the essential role of universities. She declared: "Democracy needs science. Science needs democracy." This statement makes it clear that a functioning democracy is based on a sound scientific basis and, in return, science needs a democratic environment in order to effectively contribute its findings.

Prof. Dr. Felix Welti, who moderated the event, emphasized the importance of equal and inclusive inclusion in democratic processes. Various projects on democracy, gender studies, inclusion, diversity and sustainability were presented to illuminate the topics from different social perspectives. Promoting democracy was not only viewed from an academic perspective, but also in areas such as schools, companies, sports and rural areas.

The big challenges

The series of discussions is part of the “Strengthening Democracy Research in Hesse” program. The aim is to increase the resilience of democracy against extremism and polarization and to promote social cohesion. Given the increasing influence of political and economic evaluations on science, Robert Merton warned as early as 1938 that the independence of science was at risk if its results were evaluated only according to quantitative parameters. This warning is more relevant today than ever.

In a changing social climate, science is not only producing results, but is also facing increasing challenges in terms of its role and influence. The corona pandemic has shown exemplary how important the dialogue between science and society is. Scientists and institutions like the Leopoldina are called upon to support politics and society with scientifically sound advice.

Promoting democracy in science

Views and approaches to democratizing science are becoming increasingly important. Günter Stock, President of the Union of German Science Academies, expressed concerns that unreflective influence by public groups on research results could harm science. In this context, the need for autonomous science, which is essential for fundamental research projects, is also emphasized.

A democratic and pluralistically oriented science is necessary in order to adequately meet global challenges. Initiatives such as the “Civil Society Platform ResearchWende” advocate sustainable research approaches and show how important the inclusion of civil society in the research process has become. Concepts such as “co-design” and “co-production” open up new possibilities for joint knowledge production.

The positive development in the discussion about these concepts in international research programs gives hope that Germany can use its science academies to provide impetus for these debates. Overall, the event in Kassel shows how crucial the dialogue between science, politics and society is for strengthening democracy. The challenges are great, but close cooperation could be the key to a resilient democracy.

Further information can be found on the website University of Kassel, Research and teaching and Science.de.