In the Interview & Opinion column, renowned scientists and researchers talk about developments and perspectives in the world of science. They reflect on regional and European science policy as well as the support of talents and the importance of innovation in a highly competitive international environment.
Science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar is sceptical about an approach to science driven only by benefits and added value. In light of worrying social developments, the expert feels we need more critical debates on scientific issues and a new self-awareness in the world of science. Continue reading “Science bears responsibility”
Aleida Assmann’s work focuses on the cultures of memory and of forgetting. In an interview on the occasion of the FWF’s 50th anniversary, the cultural studies scholar explains why we need memory, why the Internet undermines credibility, and why we should remember humane virtues. Continue reading “Memory as an agent of social cohesion”
The sociologist Kristina Stoeckl is observing a worldwide revival of moral conservative tendencies. Using the example of the Russian Orthodox Church, she explains how the connected conflicts about values might turn into an acid test for liberal societies. Continue reading ““Conflicts over values polarise enormously””
Wherever things are likely to get emotional, as in political discussions, Laurenz Ennser-Jedenastik is ready to help out with facts and figures. This political scientist researches and blogs about voting behaviour, parties and elites. In an interview with scilog he explains why he is sceptical about more direct democracy, why there is no such thing […] Continue reading ““People want to have a greater say””
We have to learn how to cope with ignorance and abandon a single-minded obsession with certainty, says the sociologist and science studies researcher Matthias Groß. In this interview with scilog, Groß talks about how to deal with gaps in knowledge, mutual trust and excessive expectations. Continue reading ““The output of science is uncertain””
So-called altmetrics track the media resonance of scientific output. The Austrian Science Fund FWF is now testing the information value and possible applications of this alternative tracking tool. – An experiment and an explanation. Continue reading “Alternative science metrics”
Anyone who receives a grant from the European Research Council (ERC) can count themselves among the vanguard of European research. – One of them is the health psychologist Jens Blechert, who investigates the connections between eating and emotions. He shares with scilog what meaning the ERC grant and basic research have for him. Continue reading “Ten years of ERC: an exemplary boon for researchers”
Projects financed by third-party funds often play an essential role in the early stages of a research career. By helping young researchers to steer the difficult course between career opportunities and job insecurity, funding institutions can guide their professional trajectory. Continue reading “Postdoc – and now what?”
More high risk research, a quality offensive and new alliances are planned to give an additional boost to Austria as a leading research location. In an interview with scilog, the new president of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, Klement Tockner, explains why we need to confront competition for the best minds. Continue reading ““We need to confront competition””
The Center for Open Science in Virginia, USA, aims to nudge incentives in scholarly communication toward openness of the research lifecycle. In the interview with scilog its director, Brian Nosek, explains why transparency and sharing data will help researchers succeed. Continue reading “On a mission”