The core topic of FORUM, formerly ZAK, is the exchange between science and society in teaching, public events and research. The teaching and research of a university of excellence such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) potentially contributes to overcoming major social and global challenges. For this to succeed, it is important that science and society are in dialogue. As central scientific unit at KIT, the FORUM contributes to the following activities:
- In teaching, students acquire interdisciplinary knowledge, key competences and knowledge outside their own subject boundaries. The General Studies as well as in-depth study programmes provide orientation for one’s studies and society. Teaching prepares students for successful action in their later professional life at the interfaces between science, economy, politics and the public.
- In events for the public, the FORUM takes up socially relevant debates on the environment, technology and science and reflect on the consequences of scientific action. How can the exchange between science and society can succeed and how it should be shaped in liberal democracies?
- In research, the FORUM deals with the dynamics of public debates on science, technology and sustainability based on social science research methods.
The FORUM broadens the understanding of interrelationships between science and society as well as social debates on sustainable development. It makes a contribution to research, teaching and the transfer of knowledge at KIT.
