ST 3: Society Matters

Subtheme 3: Society Matters

Society Matters is focused on how the scientific community interacts with society. Do scientists spread the knowledge in a way people can understand and use it in their daily lives? Fostering a greater connection between science and society can help identify and solve society’s challenges. Therefore, the idea on this theme is to learn how to promote a better and broader understanding of the growing social and cultural relevance of scientific research.

Presentation Session 3.1:

Research for a purpose:

solution oriented social sciences

One of the great strengths of social sciences is the ability to systematically identify and analyse problems. It helps us understand and explain the world. Outside social science, though, people are often more interested in solutions than problems. Understanding a problem is just the first step to finding a solution. Social scientists face this growing need to recognise that problem-oriented social science needs to be complemented by more solution-oriented social science. This means social sciences that produce meaningful solutions – knowledge, services and products – for others, while also advancing the scholarly fields. Solution oriented social science, will increase the reach of the social sciences, and create social science that is exciting, meaningful and transformative.