Suche
Mein Konto
Future of science: Goethe University relies on interdisciplinary professorships!
On September 9th, 2025, the Goethe University Frankfurt will strengthen its C³S with five new professorships in critical data science and ecology.
Future of science: Goethe University relies on interdisciplinary professorships!
At the Center for Critical Computational Studies (C³S) at Goethe University Frankfurt, five new professorships will be filled by the end of the year. This inter- and transdisciplinary research center brings together scientists from different disciplines to address complex social challenges.
The new professorships include that of Prof. Dr. Oskar Hagen, who specializes in mechanistic and process-oriented modeling of biodiversity and ecosystems. He is also the founder of the Computational Integrative Biodiversity (CIB) group and researches eco-evolutionary simulations and environmental stresses. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Manuel Linsenmeier will focus on the socio-economic impacts of climate change and political consultations.
Interdisciplinary approaches to tackling global challenges
The creation of new professorships at C³S is part of a larger plan presented at a public event entitled “Planetary Hopes” on June 13, 2024. In this event, the research direction “Earth-Nature-Society” was introduced. The aim was to explore how computer-aided methods can be used to deal with planetary polycrises such as global warming and biodiversity loss. University President Prof. Dr. Enrico Schleiff and Wiesbaden's Science Minister Timon Gremmels emphasized the need for interdisciplinary approaches to master these pressing global challenges and assigned the C³S an innovative role.
Another new addition is Prof. Dr. Azadeh Akbari, who focuses on the geopolitical aspects of digital transformation and data justice. The area of educational theories is also influenced by the work of Prof. Dr. Dan Vertlich will be joining us from October 2025, focusing on learning processes in a digital context.
Ethical issues and digital technologies
The legal philosopher Prof. Dr. Sabine Müller-Mall will also deal with the fundamental problems of law and the constitution at the C³S, in particular with the effects of computer-aided technologies on these areas. C³S combines computer-aided methods with critical reflection and ethical questioning. There is a strong emphasis on developing critical data science.
How current.uni-frankfurt.de reports, the C³S will also work on projects that promote innovative digital teaching methods. The “Future Learning Spaces” project deals, among other things, with the development of a GeoVR application.
A significant approach is seen in forming future research teams that focus on topics such as network research, critical data science and ethics. During the discussions at the event, the unequal distribution of knowledge was repeatedly discussed, the challenges in data processing were highlighted and the role of the state in the regulation of technologies was discussed.
The C³S thus shows a clear vision for the future, and the planned twelve new professorships are crucial for strengthening its research profile. How puk.uni-frankfurt.de and current.uni-frankfurt.de report, the combination of different sciences and the critical examination of digital technologies is seen as the key to solving the challenges facing the earth, nature and society.