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Working Group "We listen"
How can science and society engage in better dialogue?
At a time of growing skepticism toward science and increasing disinformation, there is a need for places where people can listen to each other again. This is especially true because scientific topics and scientific methods are playing an increasingly important role in social and political debates. The working group "We Listen" deals precisely with this interface between science and society.
It asks:
- What really motivates people?
- What do they want to know?
- Where do doubts, concerns, or mistrust arise—and why?
- What are their expectations of science?
Our approach
The "We Listen" working group is therefore working on a project of the same name, "We Listen," with which it aims to put its concerns into practice: listening, highlighting perspectives, and facilitating dialogue. It brings science and society into conversation and consists of two central components.
1. The roadshow – on-site discussions
With a roadshow, we go where people live and meet: to supermarkets, schools, cultural centers, clubs, marketplaces, and regions where science is otherwise hardly present.
On site, we create open dialogue formats on an equal footing. People can express their questions, doubts, wishes, and even their criticism—anonymously, if they wish, and without judgment.
On-site formats can include, for example:
- Analog dialogue formats such as note boards, short participation questions, or playful formats (e.g., "Science with democracy vs. science without democracy")
- Open encounters and discussions with scientists on an equal footing
- Digital participation, where participants can share their perspectives via smartphones or tablets
We are particularly interested in:
- What people really want to know about science
- What causes them concern or mistrust
- What topics concern them in everyday life
- What they expect from science—and what they don't
2. The digital participation platform – gathering perspectives
In addition to the roadshow, a digital participation platform is being created where people can contribute their views independently of events.
The platform works with different formats, for example:
- Open-ended questions
- Ratings or scales
- Selection or multiple-choice questions
It can be used independently, but is also directly integrated into the roadshow. This allows as many voices as possible to be heard – even those of people who do not attend events.
What happens next
All feedback from the roadshow and the participation platform is collected and evaluated.
Based on this, the working group will then develop further formats and content that are geared toward people's actual questions, expectations, and concerns.
In this way, science becomes something that can be experienced, that listens, asks questions, and learns—and is understood as part of a vibrant democracy.
Get involved
The "We Listen" working group thrives on people who want to help shape the dialogue.
We welcome:
- Scientists from all disciplines and from as many different regions as possible.
- People interested in exchange, moderation, or organization.
- Committed individuals who would like to work on the roadshow or the participation platform.
- Regional partners who can contribute locations, contacts, or support.
Would you like to bring the roadshow to your city or get involved?
Please contact us directly at