IWM Involved in Two New Leibniz Labs: "Systemic Sustainability" and "Pandemic Preparedness"

The Leibniz Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) is contributing its expertise in science communication to "Leibniz Labs", a new initiative of the Leibniz Association to promote inter- and transdisciplinary excellence.

Leibniz Lab "Systemic Sustainability"
With a network of 41 research institutions and 11 research clusters, the "Systemic Sustainability" lab serves as a central hub for knowledge and advice on issues related to biodiversity, climate, agriculture, and food security. It focuses on a critical question: How can we protect biodiversity and tackle climate change while ensuring resilient agricultural practices for food security?
Recognising the urgent need for a more holistic and action-oriented approach to scientific research, the lab emphasises the importance of working with multi-sectoral stakeholders to find transformative solutions to biodiversity, climate, agriculture and food security challenges by integrating scientific knowledge and identifying innovative approaches. In pilot areas in different parts of the world, the lab addresses regional needs and links them to global trends in order to understand complex interrelationships from a holistic perspective and propose appropriate solutions. The lab serves as a link between the relevant scientific communities and promotes the exchange between science and society.

How can information be presented in a way that is accessible and actionable? This is where the IWM will contribute its expertise to the new Leibniz lab "Systemic Sustainability".

"Our goal is to bridge the gap between science and citizens" through successful science communication, says Prof. Dr. Markus Huff, who heads the Perception and Action lab at the IWM.

Leibniz Lab "Pandemic Preparedness"
The "Pandemic Preparedness: One Health, One Future" lab brings together excellent inter- and transdisciplinary expertise from 41 Leibniz Institutes to address the challenges of future pandemics. This lab represents the first collaboration in Germany between pathogen-focused sciences (such as virology, bacteriology, mycology, and immunology) and other life sciences, including ecology, health technologies, health economics and education research. It will be funded with three million euros over three years. The aim is to pool research efforts to provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers on how to prepare for, prevent and respond to future pandemics.

Dealing with misinformation and information uncertainty is a key concern for this lab. The IWM's expertise will focus on addressing key questions such as: How can scientific evidence be effectively communicated in the dynamic context of a pandemic? How should uncertainty be communicated? And: How can we empower the public to recognise misinformation?

The labs will be officially launched during the Leibniz Association's spring reception on 16 May 2024.

Further information: 
Press release of the Leibniz Association