Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) has acquired a new Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The group SOCRATES based at the Institute of Philosophy of LUH will focus on the credibility of science. SOCRATES stands for “Social Credibility and Trustworthiness of Expert Knowledge and Science-Based Information”. The project is in receipt of funding amounting to approximately four million euros provided over an initial period of four years (2023-2027). SOCRATES is led by Prof. Dr. Mathias Frisch (spokesperson) and Prof. Dr. Torsten Wilholt.
“Our research approach is based on the observation that in recent times controversial issues often reduce trust in science, resulting in the risk of losing a common and socially shared basis of knowledge”, says professor Frisch. SOCRATES intends to tackle the challenge of understanding how science can continue to serve as a source of shared knowledge that not only enjoys trust but actually earns it. The group will investigate philosophical requirements relevant for trust in science. As a forum for exchange between researchers from philosophy, sociology, communication and media studies as well as other disciplines, SOCRATES aims to provide a comprehensive and coherent philosophical approach to scientific credibility and trust in science.
“Science needs trust!” says Falko Mohrs, Minister of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony: “Without trust, science cannot fulfil its social role as a reliable source of knowledge about the world. For this reason, I am delighted that LUH successfully acquired a DFG research group focusing on the credibility of science. I would like to congratulate the research team led by Professor Mathias Frisch and I look forward to their findings.”
Funding format: Centres for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences
The DFG funding format Centres for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, which was established 15 years ago, specifically addresses the humanities and social sciences. The funding format centrally includes a fellowship programme for inviting renowned researchers for research stays over several months. SOCRATES will be the first Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences at Leibniz University Hannover and only the second at a university in Lower Saxony.
Note to editors:
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Mathias Frisch (Tel. +49 511 762-5151, Email mathias.frisch@philos.uni-hannover.de) and Prof. Dr. Torsten Wilholt (Tel. +49 511 762-3408, Email torsten.wilholt@philos.uni-hannover.de) at the Institute of Philosophy of Leibniz University Hannover.
