Reflecting on roles

Today’s societal challenges, such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity, make it necessary for science to work more closely with society and, in particular, with politics. This requires new forms of collaboration and dialogue. Researchers are increasingly taking on roles other than that of a pure scientist – and not always consciously or voluntarily.

This webpages provide researchers with approaches for reflecting on and discussing the roles they can play in the societal context. The content was developed by the Platform Science and Policy and is based on the guide Roles of Scientists in Sustainability Transfor­ma­tions: A Guide for Reflection and Workshop Facilitation published by the Swiss Academy of Sciences. Greater clarity and a more conscious understanding of roles will strengthen scientific work and its contribution to societal change.