remarks of a scientist carrying owls to athens
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Seminar - Social Sciences for the Scientific and Technological Advancement. Remarks of a Scientist Carrying Owls to Athens. Gerd H. WOLF European Economic and Social Committee Mainly based on: - OPINIONS of the European Economic and Social Committee - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
RemarksRemarks of a Scientist of a Scientist
Carrying Owls to Athens
Gerd H. WOLFGerd H. WOLFEuropean Economic and Social CommitteeEuropean Economic and Social Committee
Mainly based on:Mainly based on: - - OPINIONS of the European Economic and Social CommitteeOPINIONS of the European Economic and Social Committee - - A presentation by the same author at the A presentation by the same author at the „ „Science and Society Forum“, Brussels, MarchScience and Society Forum“, Brussels, March 2005 2005
Seminar - Social Sciences for the Scientific and Technological Advancement
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Top performances in the scientific and technical field, and their entrepreneurial conversion into a competitive, economic force, are essential preconditions to safeguarding our future (not least with regard to energy and climate issues).
Some statements from the EESC´s „Own Initiative OPINION“
Investment in Knowledge and InnovationINT/325 --- CESE 983/2007 --- July 2007
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
The basic prerequisite for achieving this goal is a social climate that is open to progress and innovation, in which society fully understands this and all its implications, so that politicians at all levels create the necessary conditions and take decisions that are conducive to such progress.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
This also includes raising awareness of the fundamental significance of basic research, as this lays the necessary foundations for future innovations.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Most of the major discoveries and Most of the major discoveries and breakthroughs were the – often breakthroughs were the – often unexpected ! – outcome of unexpected ! – outcome of fundamental research.fundamental research.
A single new discovery or concept A single new discovery or concept snowballed into an avalanche of snowballed into an avalanche of innovations, advances and cross-innovations, advances and cross-fertilizations.fertilizations.
Nota bene:
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
As a result, the living conditions of people in the countries and regions involved have changed and improved as never before in human history.
In the last 135 years, the average life expectancy of the population has more than doubled.
In the last 50 years, agricultural yield in terms of surface area has almost trebled.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
In the successful industrialised countries, the talk is now
of obesity rather than malnutrition,
of information overload rather than a lack of information, and
of an ageing population rather than child mortality.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
The development of energy-consuming industrial processes, machines and transport systems made a decisive contribution to this.
Energy freed people from the burden of the heaviest physical labour, multiplied their productivity, provided heating and lighting, and made previously unimaginable mobility and communication possible.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Energy became the food and fuel of modern economies.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Looking backwards:
In the pre-industrial era humans too were used as engines and freight carriers.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Naval battle of Lepanto (Nafpaktos) 1571 (Doge´s Palace, Venice)
Venetian –Spanish fleet against the Turks
thousands of galley rowers
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Hallstatt women carrying wooden containers of salt on their backs
Tread wheel driven crane
Bruges 1540
Just 100 years ago !
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementThe Fighting Temeraire, tugged to her Last Berth to be broken up - William Francis Turner 1838
DAWNING OF A NEW ERA
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Message 1
Society needs to become better aware of the huge progress achieved, and this by comparison with the life conditions which existed before.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Message 2
Society needs to become familiar with the purpose, the working methods, the working conditions, the potential and the limitations of science and technology.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
The perception of science and development by society
• purpose of science and development• working methods of science and development• support and governance of science and development• assessment and balance of risks and chances• capability to forecast the future
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Purpose of science and development
The purpose of science and development is to create new and more profound knowledge, to develop new skills and capabilities, and to enrich our culture.History has shown, that in the past the results of science and development promoted the well-being of mankind to a degree which was in former times unimaginable.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Working methods of science and development: What is Research 1
Advances are based onAdvances are based on ingenuity, intuition, imagination, ingenuity, intuition, imagination,
continuity, persistence, care, continuity, persistence, care,
chance and hard work,chance and hard work,
but also on novel instruments and devices.but also on novel instruments and devices.
RESEARCH IS THE STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN !!!
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Working methods of science and development
•the interplay between hypothesis, experiment and criticism•groping in the mist •following hunches•compiling and collating data•finding new signals•detecting inconsistencies•tracing underlying patterns
•recognising correlationsrecognising correlations•developing mathematicaldeveloping mathematical models, models, •developing concepts anddeveloping concepts and symbolssymbols•developing new equipmentdeveloping new equipment•searching for simple solutionssearching for simple solutions and harmonyand harmony•confirming, extrapolating,confirming, extrapolating, generalising and reproducinggeneralising and reproducing
What is research 2 ?
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Working methods of science and development
The crucial feature is the step from the The crucial feature is the step from the scientific quest phase to the reproducibility of scientific quest phase to the reproducibility of findings and demonstration of their range of findings and demonstration of their range of validity. validity.
Duplication is an essential element of scientific Duplication is an essential element of scientific method.method. It is the only guarantee against errors, It is the only guarantee against errors, assertions or even falsification. assertions or even falsification.
It serves the consolidation, deepening and It serves the consolidation, deepening and disseminationdissemination of knowledge. of knowledge.
WHY DUPLICATION ?
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the best working conditions for science ?
“Bottom-up" approach as often as possible and "top-down" approach only where absolutely necessary.
Self organisation operating in -- cooperation on pooling resources, exchanging information and complementing expertise, but-- competition for the best ideas, results, methods, facilities, structures and talent.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the best working conditions for science 3 ?
Citation from OPINION INT/358 (CESE 1141/2007):
Only a plurality of methods, approaches and choice of issues can ensure the best outcomes, procedures and innovations in each case.
Plurality is not wasteful, but is a necessary means of optimising and making progress in the search for new knowledge and techniques. (Competitive evolution)
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the best working conditions for What are the best working conditions for science 4 ?science 4 ?
FreedomFreedom Self-organizationSelf-organization Continuity and reliability Continuity and reliability
of supportof support Long-range perspective, Long-range perspective,
yet possibility to change yet possibility to change coursecourse
A stimulating, A stimulating, multidisciplinary multidisciplinary environment, yet environment, yet possibility to withdrawpossibility to withdraw
Reducing the excess in procedures for:
Applications Reporting Monitoring Refereeing Administration
Scientists need Scientists need time for time for research !research !
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Two remarks about risks1.1.The risk potential of new ideas, The risk potential of new ideas,
technologies or research programmes technologies or research programmes cannot in principle be fully assessed on an cannot in principle be fully assessed on an objective basis. objective basis. (What will be the impact (What will be the impact of successful geriatric research?)of successful geriatric research?)
2. With the knowledge of that time 2. With the knowledge of that time (Jenner),(Jenner), would present society still permit the test would present society still permit the test of smallpox vaccination? Or rather, of smallpox vaccination? Or rather, would smallpox still be with us?would smallpox still be with us?
Risk and chance are two sides of the same coin.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Can science forecast the future ?
Only in well-defined, limited cases, and only Only in well-defined, limited cases, and only for a well-defined time-scalefor a well-defined time-scale
Obstacles are:Obstacles are: Limited dataLimited data ComplexityComplexity Chaos (deterministic chaos)Chaos (deterministic chaos) Quantum effectsQuantum effects
By and large, this also holds true for By and large, this also holds true for politics. Politics means acting on behalf of politics. Politics means acting on behalf of society and inevitably also includes society and inevitably also includes experimenting with society.experimenting with society.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
END
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
How to find theseHow to find these OPINIONS in the OPINIONS in the InternetInternet
• http://www.toad.eesc.europa.eu/• under documents > OPINIONS• choose language• insert < Wolf > for „rapporteur“• select document
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
APPENDIX
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Science and InnovationScience and Innovation
A Scientist's ViewA Scientist's View
Gerd Wolf, Science and Society Forum 2005, March 10th
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Where do we stand nowWhere do we stand now?? Citizens of the EU have achieved a Citizens of the EU have achieved a
level of prosperity, knowledge and level of prosperity, knowledge and legal certainty which is unprecedented legal certainty which is unprecedented in the history of their nations.in the history of their nations.
Over the last century, average life Over the last century, average life expectancy has increased by about 30 expectancy has increased by about 30 years. years.
Over the last 50 years, agricultural Over the last 50 years, agricultural yields have almost tripled .yields have almost tripled . W We now e now discuss obesity rather than discuss obesity rather than malnutrition.malnutrition.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are our capabilitiesWhat are our capabilities ? (1) ? (1)
We keep ourselves informed and in We keep ourselves informed and in touch with the whole worldtouch with the whole world (INTERNET).(INTERNET).
We land a research robot on one of We land a research robot on one of Saturn's moons.Saturn's moons.
We observe galaxies billions of light We observe galaxies billions of light years away.years away.
We measure femtoseconds and minute We measure femtoseconds and minute quantities of trace elements.quantities of trace elements.
We navigate our cars by satellite.We navigate our cars by satellite.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are our capabilitiesWhat are our capabilities ? (2) ? (2) We develop and use super-computers.We develop and use super-computers. We build aircraft capable of carrying We build aircraft capable of carrying
more than 500 passengers.more than 500 passengers. We use X-rays and magnetic We use X-rays and magnetic
resonance imaging to scan the human resonance imaging to scan the human body.body.
We transplant organs, analyse DNA, We transplant organs, analyse DNA, genetically modify crops and livestock, genetically modify crops and livestock, and conduct research on stem cells.and conduct research on stem cells.
Painless open-heart surgery has Painless open-heart surgery has become commonplace.become commonplace.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
ThenThen
What are the questions?What are the questions?Where are the problems ?Where are the problems ?
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
One One AnswerAnswer
Many fundamental questions are Many fundamental questions are waiting to be answered (e.g. dark waiting to be answered (e.g. dark matter, nature of quantum physics, matter, nature of quantum physics, brain and individual,…).brain and individual,…).
Many problems are waiting to be Many problems are waiting to be solved (e.g. climate, energy supply, solved (e.g. climate, energy supply, health,…).health,…).
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
One Problem One Problem Area: Science and SocietyArea: Science and Society Society’s perception of science Society’s perception of science
(achievements, potential, dangers) and of the (achievements, potential, dangers) and of the necessary working conditions.necessary working conditions.
Interaction between science and society.Interaction between science and society.Note, however, that scientists are part of Note, however, that scientists are part of society.society.
Scientists need to learn about the demands Scientists need to learn about the demands and concerns of society, but society also and concerns of society, but society also needs to learn about the required operating needs to learn about the required operating conditions for science.conditions for science. I will not mainly address this problem – I will not mainly address this problem – which is done by other speakers – but rather which is done by other speakers – but rather focus on another problem area : invention / focus on another problem area : invention / innovation .innovation .
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
CompetitionCompetition and Innovation (1) and Innovation (1) A crucial determinant of Europe's future A crucial determinant of Europe's future
development and position is global development and position is global competition. competition.
This competition is characterized by changing This competition is characterized by changing industrial and economic structures, labour industrial and economic structures, labour market situation and raw material parameters.market situation and raw material parameters.
On scientific and technological performance On scientific and technological performance hinge not only economic competitiveness and hinge not only economic competitiveness and the resulting attraction for investors, scientists the resulting attraction for investors, scientists and engineers, but also cultural and political and engineers, but also cultural and political status and influence.status and influence.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
CompetitionCompetition and Innovation (2) and Innovation (2) Growth, success and economic strength – Growth, success and economic strength – and and
the resultant capacity for social services and the resultant capacity for social services and cultural developmentcultural development – depend essentially on – depend essentially on innovation.innovation.
Innovation needs not only investment in Innovation needs not only investment in research and technological development but research and technological development but also optimized working conditions for science also optimized working conditions for science and research.and research.
The European Research Area was conceived The European Research Area was conceived to meet that challenge, to join forces and to to meet that challenge, to join forces and to create a European added value.create a European added value.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Addressing some questions Addressing some questions related to science and innovationrelated to science and innovation
What are the sources of innovation ?What are the sources of innovation ? What is basic research ?What is basic research ? Do we need duplication ?Do we need duplication ? Can science forecast the future ?Can science forecast the future ? What are the best working conditions ?What are the best working conditions ? How do we couple science and How do we couple science and
technology, academia and industry technology, academia and industry ??
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the sources of innovationWhat are the sources of innovation ? ?(1)(1)
Most of the major discoveries and Most of the major discoveries and breakthroughs were the – often breakthroughs were the – often unexpected – outcome of unexpected – outcome of fundamental research.fundamental research.
A single new discovery or concept A single new discovery or concept can snowball into an avalanche of can snowball into an avalanche of innovations, advances and cross-innovations, advances and cross-fertilizations.fertilizations.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the sources of innovationWhat are the sources of innovation ? ?(2)(2)
Examples are: Examples are:
electricity, fertilizers, radio-waves, electricity, fertilizers, radio-waves, vacuum tubes, thermodynamics, x-vacuum tubes, thermodynamics, x-rays, nuclear energy, penicillin, rays, nuclear energy, penicillin, magnetic nuclear resonance, magnetic nuclear resonance, polyethylene polyethylene , semi-conductors, DNA, , semi-conductors, DNA, lasers, computer chips, genes, GPS, lasers, computer chips, genes, GPS, nanotechnology, .....nanotechnology, .....
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the sources of innovationWhat are the sources of innovation ? ?(3)(3)
To permit a targeted approach, To permit a targeted approach, objectives must be defined and the objectives must be defined and the way ahead needs to be sufficiently way ahead needs to be sufficiently clear. clear.
Science and technology benefit from Science and technology benefit from each other through continuous each other through continuous symbiosis.symbiosis.
In the meantime, these relations have In the meantime, these relations have also been re-acknowledged by politicsalso been re-acknowledged by politics
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Example:Example: Opening speech of the German Opening speech of the German Chancellor celebrating the Einstein YearChancellor celebrating the Einstein Year
““The example of Einstein makes it clear that only The example of Einstein makes it clear that only freedom of thought and research, freedom from freedom of thought and research, freedom from governmental regimentation and economic governmental regimentation and economic dependence, enabled his momentous dependence, enabled his momentous achievements. achievements.
This is why we can say that only basic research This is why we can say that only basic research …………..is in a position to provide the most …………..is in a position to provide the most important raw material for future prosperity – important raw material for future prosperity – new knowledge”new knowledge”..
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
continued:continued: ““It must, of course, be our goal to convert It must, of course, be our goal to convert
scientific findings into innovations more rapidly scientific findings into innovations more rapidly than in the past. than in the past.
At the same time, however, basic research At the same time, however, basic research needs the certainty of being able to work needs the certainty of being able to work without the pressure of immediate without the pressure of immediate exploitability and without the constraint of exploitability and without the constraint of continually demonstrating utility.”continually demonstrating utility.”
““When Einstein formulated the basic equation When Einstein formulated the basic equation for the laser in 1916, he did not have the for the laser in 1916, he did not have the faintest idea of the innovation that would faintest idea of the innovation that would follow five decades later”.follow five decades later”.Please note that the “laser equation” was only Please note that the “laser equation” was only one of his many discoveries, and that Einstein one of his many discoveries, and that Einstein was an excellent communicator !was an excellent communicator !
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Advances in science are based on ingenuity, intuition, Advances in science are based on ingenuity, intuition, imagination, continuity, persistence, care, chance and hard work, imagination, continuity, persistence, care, chance and hard work,
but also on novel instruments and devices.but also on novel instruments and devices.
What is basic research? What is basic research? a step into the unknowna step into the unknown the interplay between the interplay between
hypothesis, experiment hypothesis, experiment and criticismand criticism
groping in the mist groping in the mist following hunchesfollowing hunches compiling and collating compiling and collating
datadata finding new signalsfinding new signals detecting inconsistenciesdetecting inconsistencies tracing underlying tracing underlying
patternspatterns
recognising correlationsrecognising correlations developing mathematical developing mathematical
models, models, developing concepts and developing concepts and
symbolssymbols developing new developing new
equipmentequipment searching for simple searching for simple
solutions and harmonysolutions and harmony confirming, extrapolating, confirming, extrapolating,
generalising and generalising and reproducingreproducing
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Why duplicationWhy duplication ? ?
The crucial feature of scientific knowledge is The crucial feature of scientific knowledge is the step from the scientific quest phase to the the step from the scientific quest phase to the reproducibility of findings and demonstration of reproducibility of findings and demonstration of their range of validity. their range of validity.
Duplication is an essential element of scientific Duplication is an essential element of scientific method and progress. It is the (only) guarantee method and progress. It is the (only) guarantee against errors, assertions or even falsification. against errors, assertions or even falsification.
It serves the consolidation, deepening and It serves the consolidation, deepening and dissemination of knowledge.dissemination of knowledge.
Nature decides and confirms.Nature decides and confirms.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Can science forecast the future ?Can science forecast the future ?
Only in well-defined, limited cases, and only Only in well-defined, limited cases, and only for a well-defined time-scalefor a well-defined time-scale
Obstacles are:Obstacles are: Limited dataLimited data ComplexityComplexity Chaos (deterministic chaos)Chaos (deterministic chaos) Quantum effectsQuantum effects
By and large, this also holds true for By and large, this also holds true for politics. Politics means acting on behalf of politics. Politics means acting on behalf of society and inevitably also includes society and inevitably also includes experimenting with society.experimenting with society.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
What are the best working conditions What are the best working conditions for science ? for science ?
““Bottom-up" approach as often as possible and "top-Bottom-up" approach as often as possible and "top-down" approach only where necessarydown" approach only where necessary
FreedomFreedom Self-organizationSelf-organization Continuity and reliability Continuity and reliability
of supportof support Long-range perspective, Long-range perspective,
yet possibility to change yet possibility to change coursecourse
A stimulating, A stimulating, multidisciplinary multidisciplinary environment, yet environment, yet possibility to withdrawpossibility to withdraw
Reducing the excess in Reducing the excess in procedures for:procedures for:
ApplicationsApplications ReportingReporting MonitoringMonitoring RefereeingRefereeing AdministrationAdministration
Scientists need Scientists need time for time for research !research !
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
How to better couple science and How to better couple science and technology, academia and industry technology, academia and industry ? (1)? (1) The best carriers of knowledge are the The best carriers of knowledge are the
heads of the experts.heads of the experts.
Therefore, we need laboratories for basic Therefore, we need laboratories for basic and for applied research working side-by-and for applied research working side-by-side to stimulate frequent contacts.side to stimulate frequent contacts.
Therefore, we need instruments and social Therefore, we need instruments and social boundary conditions which stimulate the boundary conditions which stimulate the exchange of personnel between academia exchange of personnel between academia (e.g. technical universities) and industry.(e.g. technical universities) and industry.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
How to better couple science and How to better couple science and technology, academia and industry technology, academia and industry ? (2)? (2) We need more R&D performed in We need more R&D performed in
industry and experts working there.industry and experts working there. Industry needs to be receptive.Industry needs to be receptive. Industry needs incentives (e.g. tax Industry needs incentives (e.g. tax
regulations) to better fulfil its part of regulations) to better fulfil its part of the task. This holds in particular for the task. This holds in particular for SMEs.SMEs.
Industry needs protection against Industry needs protection against overregulation concerning novel overregulation concerning novel products.products.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Community Patent, Community Patent, LanguageLanguage We urgently need a Community We urgently need a Community
Patent. Patent. We need a grace period for We need a grace period for
patent-applications.patent-applications. We need to use a common second We need to use a common second
language throughout Europe, as is language throughout Europe, as is already the case within the already the case within the technical-scientific community technical-scientific community ((EnglishEnglish). ).
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Some further proposalsSome further proposals
Science as a profession – including contracts Science as a profession – including contracts of service – must be made more attractive.of service – must be made more attractive.
The rules of the Single Market have to The rules of the Single Market have to stimulate, rather than to discourage mobility. stimulate, rather than to discourage mobility. The remaining barriers within the Single The remaining barriers within the Single Market have to be removed.Market have to be removed.
Competition between research systems and Competition between research systems and institutions for the best structure, methods, institutions for the best structure, methods, facilities and personnel policy must be facilities and personnel policy must be allowed, stimulated and supported.allowed, stimulated and supported.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
Research policy and the interest of society, Research policy and the interest of society, a thorny issue.a thorny issue.
Interaction between science and society – Interaction between science and society – where appropriate by legislation and through where appropriate by legislation and through governmental authorities – mostly concernsgovernmental authorities – mostly concerns
type and extent of research funding, type and extent of research funding, research objectives and subjects,research objectives and subjects, evaluation of research findings,evaluation of research findings, people involved in research, and people involved in research, and how far research is or should be steered in a how far research is or should be steered in a
particular direction.particular direction. Science delivers the knowledge, industry Science delivers the knowledge, industry
delivers the products, but citizen and society delivers the products, but citizen and society decide on the use.decide on the use.
I will I will not dig deeper into this broad subjectnot dig deeper into this broad subject..
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
But one should bear in mind (1)But one should bear in mind (1) that the scientific community is generally that the scientific community is generally
earlier aware of upcoming chances, earlier aware of upcoming chances, opportunities or risks of new discoveries and of opportunities or risks of new discoveries and of new technologies.new technologies.
that the risk potential (of new ideas, that the risk potential (of new ideas, technologies or research programmes) cannot technologies or research programmes) cannot in principle be fully assessed on an objective in principle be fully assessed on an objective basis. basis. ((What will be the impact of successful What will be the impact of successful geriatric research?)geriatric research?)
that the scientific community knows – that the scientific community knows – relativelyrelatively – best how to carry out research, – best how to carry out research, and which issues to address.and which issues to address.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
But one should bear in mind (2)But one should bear in mind (2) that self organisation in science operates in that self organisation in science operates in
the area of conflict between cooperation and the area of conflict between cooperation and competition , i.e.competition , i.e. -- cooperation on pooling resources, cooperation on pooling resources, exchanging information and complementing exchanging information and complementing expertise, butexpertise, but- competition for the best ideas, results, - competition for the best ideas, results, methods and structures.methods and structures.
that the main task of politics should be to that the main task of politics should be to - - decide on the allocated support , and decide on the allocated support , and - ensure that self organisation and self control - ensure that self organisation and self control of science are effective, and that competition of science are effective, and that competition rules the game.rules the game.
Seminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific AdvancementSeminar October 16th, 2007 --- G. H. Wolf, EESC --- Social Sciences for the Scientific Advancement
SummarySummary Complete the Single Market.Complete the Single Market. Complete the European Research Area.Complete the European Research Area. Double the EU R&D budget and raise the corresponding Double the EU R&D budget and raise the corresponding
national R&D budgets.national R&D budgets. Provide incentives for more R&D in industry (and Provide incentives for more R&D in industry (and
SMEs).SMEs). >> Reach the 3% (of GDP) goal. >> Reach the 3% (of GDP) goal. Stimulate the interplay between basic research, applied Stimulate the interplay between basic research, applied
research and product development. research and product development. Stimulate mobility between academia and industry.Stimulate mobility between academia and industry. Protect against overregulation and excess bureaucracy.Protect against overregulation and excess bureaucracy. Provide optimal working conditions for R&D.Provide optimal working conditions for R&D. Provide more attractive contracts of employment.Provide more attractive contracts of employment. Acknowledge the basics of science and research – Acknowledge the basics of science and research –
freedom, autonomy, excellence, competition, freedom, autonomy, excellence, competition, cooperation.cooperation.
AcceptAccept: : NO CHANCE WITHOUT RISKNO CHANCE WITHOUT RISK