Science's Significance to Society is Dwindling According to University Leader
Potsdam, Germany - The President of the University of Potsdam, Oliver Günther, has expressed concerns over growing disconnect between science and society within the country. speaking to the "Potsdamer Neuesten Nachrichten," Günther noted the need for universities to break out of their academic isolation and engage those who are not science-focused.
Günther believes that universities have contributed to a distorted image due to their occasional emphasis on topics that do not resonate with the general public. He emphasized the importance of communicating the significant societal contributions made by universities in tackling pressing issues.
"Many citizens perceive universities as overly self-absorbed, with an overemphasis on diversity, inclusion, and wokeness, resembling a modern-day ivory tower," said Günther, an economist. He underscored the urgency of correcting this skewed image, as it can foster adverse reactions such as those currently seen in the USA.
In the USA, the government under Donald Trump is taking steps to curb universities, with funding for the elite university Harvard frozen in billions. Reports suggest that the Trump administration also plans to tighten scrutiny of incoming international students and exchange program participants. Officially, the government has not confirmed these plans.
Günther expressed concern over potential detrimental effects on the USA should its scientific foundation weaken. "Research will suffer, and an entire generation of talented scientists may depart from or avoid the USA entirely," Günther cautioned, having studied and taught in the USA since 2012.
To bridge the gap between science and society, universities in Germany can employ various strategies, including enhancing public engagement, fostering collaborations with industries, addressing misconceptions, promoting interdisciplinary research, engaging in policy, and leveraging alliances and research institutions. By implementing these strategies, universities can foster a more integrated and inclusive approach to science and society within the country.
Universities, as led by the President of the University of Potsdam, Oliver Günther, should strive to break their academic isolation and communicate the societal contributions made by science education and self-development to the general public, as opposed to being perceived as overly self-absorbed. In light of the current situation in the USA, where the government is taking steps to curb universities and potentially weaken the scientific foundation, it is crucial for German universities to implement strategies that foster a more integrated and inclusive approach to science and society, such as enhancing public engagement, promoting interdisciplinary research, and collaborating with industries.
