Leibniz Lab "Disruptions and Transformations"

The Lab examines the manner in which different social disruptions of recent times have been addressed and relates them to each other. For example, it considers the transformations that followed the end of the Cold War in 1989/90, the challenges posed by globalization and the current challenges posed by climate change. The primary focus of the Lab is on the analysis of how these disruptions were overcome and what this implies for dealing with contemporary challenges.  A key area of interest is the relationship between crises and resilience. For instance, the Lab offers novel insights into de- and re-industrialization, democracy and right-wing populism, or the social implications of new technologies.

The Lab demonstrates how disruptions are experienced by different actors and how solutions to problems are sought under time pressure. The focus is on the question of how societies can better cope with crises and develop resilience. The objective is to generate novel insights through the assessment and integration of pertinent bodies of knowledge, with the aim of disseminating this knowledge through social discourse forums. In order to achieve this objective, the laboratory engages in dialogue-oriented research communication with a variety of target groups, actively involving the public in the process. It also develops innovative formats for science communication. These include exhibitions, social media, policy briefs, and citizen science projects. The objective of the Leibniz Lab is to facilitate a social dialogue on the management and shaping of future transformations.