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New institute in Bielefeld: Question science more critically!
On July 22, 2025, the Institute for Studies of Science (ISoS) was founded at Bielefeld University to critically reflect on science and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
New institute in Bielefeld: Question science more critically!
On July 22, 2025, the Institute for Studies of Science (ISoS) was launched as a central scientific institution (ZWE) at Bielefeld University. The ISoS is led by the founding directors Dr. Carsten Reinhardt, Dr. Marie I Kaiser and Dr. Holger Strassheim. The main goal of this institution is the critical reflection of science and its practices, which represents a significant step in Bielefeld's scientific landscape.
The founding of the ISoS represents a realignment, as it follows on from the previously existing Institute for Interdisciplinary Scientific Research (I²SoS). Moving to a central academic institution enables effective support and visibility in the university's profiling process. This is supported by the impetus of the newly created OWL Medical Faculty and the increasingly relevant Anthropocene research.
Interdisciplinary collaboration in focus
A central feature of the ISoS is the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, especially within the framework of the Transregio Collaborative Research Center 212. Here, over 30 scientists work together on innovative projects that incorporate both national and international perspectives.
The ISoS plans to initiate formats for exchange and joint projects. Research staff can be accepted as members or associated members of the institute. This not only promotes scientific exchange, but also strengthens the connection to society. The ISoS actively provides policy advice and contributes to public discussion on scientific topics.
Education and international cooperation
Another important aspect of ISoS is the master's program in Interdisciplinary Studies of Science, which enables interdisciplinary training and offers close integration with the natural sciences. These initiatives are part of the strategic realignment in research at Bielefeld University, in which the ISoS plays a central role.
Cooperation with similar institutions at national and international levels is also promoted on a partisan basis. This makes the ISoS relevant not only within Germany, but also at the European level. It is expected that the innovative research approaches and the comprehensive reflection on science in the ongoing ontological debate will contribute to the prominence of Bielefeld University.