War in Ukraine, the threat of a nuclear strike, finite energy resources, the resurgence of authoritarian governments, fears of a loss of prosperity and the polarization of society - everything seems different, nothing seems certain anymore. How should science react? Do familiar paths have to be abandoned, theories rethought? If debates are to have a lasting impact, courage and a willingness to engage in dialog are needed. In addition to politics, the sciences are also called upon to strengthen society. (How) can the sciences help to create trust? How are the Museum für Naturkunde and the Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin responding to the end of certainties?

We discussed the much-vaunted turning point from the perspective of the natural and social sciences. It was also a very concrete question of identifying scenarios: What do these changes mean for young and old people, for single parents and families? How can public spaces for encounters be maintained with empty coffers? How do political players and institutions deal with the new uncertainties? What does the turning point mean for international politics, especially for Europe? What data access and information does science lack in order to record changes? What can we achieve in climate and environmental protection when there is less money available? How do planetary crises such as climate change, species extinction and pollution affect food production, water and air quality? What is the relationship between humans, wildlife and ecosystems in this context? What does this mean for an understanding of health and disease?

On the podium:

- Prof. Johannes Vogel. Ph.D., Director General Museum für Naturkunde Berlin - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research

- Prof. Dr. h.c. Jutta Allmendinger, Ph.D., President of the Social Science Research Center Berlin

- Dr. Nike Sommerwerk, Research Associate Museum für Naturkunde Berlin - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research

- Dr. Christian Rauh, Research Associate in the Global Governance Department, Social Science Research Center Berlin

- Moderation: Boussa Thiam

The event is part of the joint series "Wissenschaft, natürlich!" by the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) and the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN).