Labors at Boltzmann Institute: "Austrian Scientific Skepticism Crafted Through Traditional Methods"
Trust in science has been found to be below average in Austria, according to a recent study from the University of Zurich. In an effort to counter this trend, the Ludwig Boltzmann Society (LBS) has launched a new initiative called "Science for Society."
LBS Managing Director Elvira Welzig explains that education, including science, is often portrayed negatively in Austria, which may contribute to public skepticism towards science. The LBS believes that the value of research to society should be emphasized to combat this attitude.
Austrian politician and education specialist expressed concern over the politicization of education and the subsequent devaluation of experts during the pandemic. On the other hand, the poor communication of scientific findings in plain language and the sensationalization of certain study results have also been criticized for contributing to science skepticism.
The LBS is an extra-university research organization with 14 institutes, including those focused on health and humanities. Their goal is to test hypotheses and generate evidence-based knowledge. The LBS encourages the public to get involved in research projects from the start and has supported projects such as the development of an app for the early detection of atrial fibrillation and the creation of personalized exercise plans for patients.
Florian Krammer, a virologist, will also involve students in the new Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Science Communication and Pandemic Preparedness. The LBS is actively seeking researchers, particularly those in the healthcare sector in the US, who are facing cuts.
The challenges in science communication, the integration of scientific advice into policy-making, and the importance of transparency and trust in institutions are key factors influencing trust in science. Initiatives such as the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) aim to improve evidence-informed policymaking, which may strengthen trust in scientific advice.
- The Ludwig Boltzmann Society (LBS) believes that highlighting the value of research in areas like health-and-wellness, mental-health, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth can help combat the public's skepticism towards science in Austria.
- Elvira Welzig, the LBS Managing Director, expressed concern about the negative portrayal of education and science in Austria, which she believes might be a reason for the below-average trust in science.
- The LBS encourages skills-training and learning, as demonstrated by their support for projects such as the creation of an app for early atrial fibrillation detection and personalized exercise plans for patients.
- To strengthen transparency and trust in institutions, the LBS is launching a new initiative, "Science for Society," and is also partaking in events like the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE), which aims to improve evidence-informed policymaking.
