Democratization of Science

Democratising Science and Safeguarding Academic Freedom 

At a time when science faces both unprecedented societal expectations and mounting pressures on academic freedom, careful reflection on their intersection is urgently needed.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between the democratisation of science and the safeguarding of academic freedom.

We will explore how democratic approaches to science, including public engagement, and participatory or transdisciplinary research, can strengthen relevance, transparency, and accountability. However, we will also look at how this might negatively influence research independence and priority-setting. Together we will map the landscape, separate evidence from opinion, and identify the evidence needed to guide effective and informed policy and practice.

Date: 22 January, 2026

Place: Zoom (Online Workshop)

Time: 14:00-17:00

Co-hosted by Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, ImmunoPreCept, BMFTR, and EUSEA.