Science in Society

Equipping you with the tools and skills to become a professional intermediary between science and society whilst getting a broader societal perspective that will be useful in a scientific career.

Science and technology clearly have a profound influence on society, but the reverse is also true: society significantly shapes the ways in which science and technology evolve. Economic interests, public opinion and policy shifts are decisive for the shaping of science and technology. However, experience has shown that scientists on the one hand and the general public, government and businesses on the other aren't always able to clearly understand one another. That is why experts with a background in science and an understanding of social processes are indispensable.

This specialisation will therefore teach you how to build a bridge between scientific expertise and societal practices. You'll become a biologist, chemist, mathematician, etc. that reflects on the implications of scientific results and advises on how to turn this knowledge into practical use for policymaking or communication purposes. This reflection will not just be scientific; you'll also learn how to detect the philosophical, political and ethical side of issues. You'll make scientists familiar with social perceptions as much as you'll be advising governments and businesses or informing the general public.