Sciencists Stray from Society's Grasp, Says Chancellor - Science's importance to society is waning, claimed the university president.
University of Potsdam President Voices Concerns Over Science-Society Divide
The President of the University of Potsdam, Oliver Günther, has expressed worries about the widening disconnect between science and society, including in Germany. He suggests that universities need to bridge the gap between scientific research and public engagement to stay relevant.
Speaking with the "Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten," Günther pointed out that universities' emphasis on topics outside the public's realm may have fueled growing skepticism, leading many to perceive institutions as self-absorbed and focused excessively on diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. He stressed the urgent need to counter this distorted image.
In the USA, similar concerns echo through the academic community regarding the government's actions under President Donald Trump. Proposed cuts to federal research funding and increased scrutiny of international students have sparked outrage among academic leaders, including those connected to institutions like SUNY Potsdam.
Critics argue that such measures could significantly hamper research progress, potentially driving away an entire generation of promising researchers. Günther shares the sentiment, stating that undermining the foundation of science would have disastrous consequences for research in the USA.
Despite these global challenges, Günther remains committed to ensuring the University of Potsdam's contributions to solving societal issues are made more apparent, breaking free from the "science bubble" to engage with and impact the broader public.
- President Günther encourages EC countries' universities to focus more on bridging the science-society divide, asserting that increasing public engagement in scientific research can help counter the growing skepticism among people toward institutions, while also discussing the importance of education-and-self-development in science-related policies within politics.
- Despite the challenges posed by stricter government policies on science under President Trump in the USA, University of Potsdam's President Günther emphasizes the significance of universities working to engage with the broader public and share their contributions to solving societal issues, while also raising concerns about the possible detrimental effects of proposed cuts to federal research funding and scrutiny on international students on employment opportunities and general-news within the academic community.
