Science communication builds a bridge between the world of research and the general public. It is of crucial importance in promoting an informed society. Ethics plays a crucial role in the communication of scientific findings. Among other things, it should ensure that potential risks and benefits are communicated clearly and comprehensibly so that informed decisions can be made on an ethical basis. Science communication creates trust in our university research and serves to build the credibility of scientists. Knowledge of the latest research findings can create links between universities, the corporate world and the public, thus helping to shape our world in terms of innovative solutions. Responsible science communication also supports public participation in (political) debates and arouses the curiosity of young people to dedicate themselves to the subject of science. The Institute of Ethics and Social Studies is therefore particularly committed to this topic.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Gremsl heads the cooperation project Ethics Laboratory with the Center for Society, Knowledge and Communication - the "seventh faculty" - in order to pursue the common goal of making scientific topics more transparent and communicating science and research in a simple and understandable way. Close cooperation is also maintained with the 7th fac ulty in general, but in particular with the first professorship for science communication in Austria, which was filled by Prof. Dr. Helmut Jungwirth.
The Department is also heavily involved in the TheoLab of the Faculty of Catholic Theology in order to introduce pupils to exciting and current topics in ethics and social studies and to inform them about career and study opportunities. TheoLab is currently focusing on topics relating to animal and environmental ethics.
The Ethics Lab
The Ethics Lab sees itself as a broad platform for science communication in the field of ethics, where a wide range of ethical topics are communicated to a broad audience in an understandable way and current issues are discussed. The ethics lab is part of the hands-on labs.
TheoLab
The TheoLab (formerly Workshop Talks) gives pupils an insight into an exciting and current topic in theology as well as information about studies and career opportunities. Click here for the current folder.
