Plenary Session I (PS1)

07.10.2026 09:00- 10:30
Margarete-Bieber-Saal (MBS)
Moderator: Lars Ribbe

Efficiently translating scientific insights into policy, industrial innovation, and public action remains one of the most critical challenges of our time. Yet, a noticeable gap persists: researchers often feel that society and decision-makers overlook complex evidence or demand oversimplified answers, while representatives from administration, industry, politics, and civil society frequently find scientific knowledge too abstract, delayed, or misaligned with real-world decision-making timelines and demands. This panel discussion brings together key actors from both sides of the interface—academia on one hand, and policy, industry, and civil society on the other—to analyse the root causes of this structural disconnect. Rather than dwelling on past shortcomings, the debate aims to foster a vivid dialogue on systemic barriers, communication bottlenecks, and conflicting incentives. Ultimately, the session will focus on concrete solutions: How can we redesign the science-society interface so that demand is articulated clearly, evidence is delivered effectively, and actionable impact is achieved together?

Special Guests on Stage

Bert Dorste-Franke Head of System Evaluation and Societal Sustainability IQIB – Institut für qualifizierende Innovationsforschung und -beratung GmbH

Raffaele Vignola Assistant Professor- Ecosystem-based adaptation planning and management Wageningen University & Research