Public Methodologies
Future Challenges session organised by the RPA Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public, as part of the IAS Festival
- Date
- 19 May 2026
- Time
- 10:00 -12:00
- Location
- Oude Turfmarkt 145-147
- Room
- Sweelinck Room
From climate change and environmental degradation to misinformation and the irresponsible use of AI, not to mention the potential for a pandemic, the challenges of the future require informed policies and well-informed citizens. But how can we align science, research, policy and society? How can we ensure that the results of scientific developments are used responsibly in practice? How can we communicate the scientific method, including its limitations?
While many debates focus on questions of trust in science and science communication, the aim of this interactive session is to focus on elucidating the core of science and research: its methodology. Bringing together methodologists and philosophers of science and technology from diverse fields such as psychiatry, mental health, law and digital humanities, this session will explore the concept of a 'public methodology'. Imagine methodologies opening a window to the world and clarifying how different fields of science and research work, how knowledge is created and the uncertainties surrounding it. How can we develop a more sophisticated yet radical approach to strengthen the place of science and research in society, combining scientific citizenship with advances in science and research?
Speakers
TBC
About the organiser: Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public
Shaping Interfaces Between Science and the Public is a UvA Research Priority Area (RPA) that aims to strengthen the relationship between science, citizen science, social debate and various professional practices. ‘Shaping Interfaces’ will open a methodological window to the world, making clearer how different fields of science work, how knowledge is created, and with what uncertainties it is surrounded. The RPA is a collaboration between the faculties of Humanities, Law, Science, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and the Amsterdam UMC. The researchers involved are renowned experts with extensive experience in policy advice-making and public engagement
Registration
Registration for this session will be available from February 1, 2026.
From 18 to 21 May 2026, the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Advanced Study celebrates its 10th anniversary with the IAS Festival: a week-long programme dedicated to reflection, exchange and forward-looking dialogue. The festival marks a decade of boundary-crossing interdisciplinary research while exploring the complex questions that will shape the years to come.
The programme includes the launch of a special anniversary publication "The Edge of Knowing", alongside a series of Future Challenges sessions that bring together leading thinkers from science, society, policy and the arts. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with urgent themes, transcending disciplinary boundaries and exploring new perspectives in lectures, discussions and interactive sessions.