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.
By redesigning its career development programmes, the Austrian Science Fund FWF intends to initiate trailblazing changes to promote equal opportunities and innovation. This would provide a huge modernization thrust to the academic system as a whole, as Edith Gößnitzer notes in this interview. Gößnitzer, a chemist and expert on gender equality, is convinced that the […] Continue reading ““The excellent women researchers are right here””
Full steam ahead for some bold research ideas, new methods and lateral thinking: with its 1000 Ideas Programme, the Austrian Science Fund FWF is launching a pilot project aimed at bringing unconventional ideas to fruition. The new research proposals will be assessed in a separate custom-tailored selection procedure. Continue reading “More support for risk-takers”
scilog talked to Martin Doyle about the challenges of bridging research and policy, regaining trust in public institutions, one page memos and windows of opportunity. First and foremost, interesting policy innovation takes places at local level, says the environmental researcher and water expert. Continue reading ““There is an emergency every day””
Europe needs to speed up implementing new technologies, in order to tackle the challenges on a global level, urges Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl. The Director General of DIGITALEUROPE advocates an EU-wide Artifical Intelligence strategy that builds on education and European values. Continue reading ““We need to be more ambitious””
The Austrian Science Fund FWF is working to help more researchers, especially women, establish themselves in science. A look at the current status of gender equality shows that women are competing for research funding in increasing numbers, and they are doing so with as much success as men. Continue reading “A bigger role for women in science”
The Austrian Science Fund FWF has worked to promote free and open access to scholarly knowledge for the last 15 years. Its funding policies have helped to bring about a long overdue cultural shift in publishing practice. Now “Plan S” is being launched, a new initiative to finally ring in an era of Open Science. Continue reading “The end of the paywall in science”
Austria is preparing its roadmap for the next ten years on the way to becoming a leading country in European research. In an interview with scilog, FWF President Klement Tockner explains why the time is ripe for really bold steps. Continue reading ““We have such incredible potential””
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””