Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Science Studies

Science Studies


Our research and teaching addresses science and technology in society. In modern societies scientific knowledge production plays a key role, raising questions about what distinguishes modern science, how it is embedded in society and what processes drive the dynamic relationship between science and society. The aim is to gain insights into how scientific knowledge is produced and communicated, valuated and assessed, financed and governed and, at the same time, what social dimensions (individuals/groups, organizations) are addressed by these processes.

We consider science to be a complex system, with intertwining micro-, meso- and macro-processes, whilst also leading to numerous frictions worthy of study. Firstly, we attend to the interdependence of science and society, for example by investigating into marketization processes of science or by looking into phenomena of everyday-life scientization. Secondly, we also address issues about the epistemic foundations of science, its core methods and theories

Our research currently focuses on issues revolving around (e)valuations and assessments of science. Taking up a more general debate in the social sciences on the relevance of (e)valuation practices we are not only investigating evaluation- and peer review-practices in science, but we also take an interest in how scientific topics, research fields and disciplines gain or lose relevance.

→ Research

 

Upcoming Events


→ Events

 

Recent Publications


 

MA program Science Studies


Since the fall semester 2012/13 the we offer the MA program Science Studies. The program is taught in German.

→ MA Wissenschaftsforschung (german)

 

Collaborations


As regards our research and teaching, we collaborate intensely with the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, the Robert K. Merton Center for Science Studies (RMZ) and other cooperating institutions in Berlin.

→ Collaborations

 

Postal Address


Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Kultur- Sozial- und Bildungswissenschaftliche Fakultät
Institut für Sozialwissenschaften
Lehrbereich Wissenschaftsforschung
Unter den Linden 6
10099 Berlin

 

Visitors Address


Universitätsstraße 3b
10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0)30 2093 4503
Email: wissenschaftsforschung (at) hu-berlin.de