RRI Tools

Science has run into a roadblock when it comes to tackling grand challenges of the 21st century. Governments around the world have made the transition to a sustainable economy and care for the aging society top priorities. But such problems are complex, interdisciplinary and global in nature. Even in the face of clear evidence, individuals and communities fail to heed scientific knowledge – and neglect to act in their own self-interest.

Can the social sciences help? That was the theme of the Robert Bosch Foundation’s 8th Berlin Debate on Science and Science Policy on 8 November 2013, “Joining Forces to Save the World: Why we need both the natural and social sciences to get the job done.” In a daylong conference, eminent natural and social scientists from around the world debated how to join forces and make progress tackling two central challenges of our time – sustainability and the ills of an aging society.