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Press Release | Friday, 23 September 2016

Leopoldina Annual Assembly discusses the competition among different knowledge cultures

The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has chosen “The Sciences in Intercultural Dialogue” as the central theme of its 2016 Annual Assembly, which opened in Halle (Saale) today. This year’s two-day event sees renowned researchers address issues surrounding global scientific culture. At the heart of the discussions is the question of how to establish effective intercultural dialogue in science. The opening ceremony included a speech by Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and Research.

“With this choice of theme, the Leopoldina is responding to an increasingly important discussion in research,” said Jörg Hacker, President of the Leopoldina, in his opening speech. “The Annual Assembly should help increase awareness of the competition that exists among different knowledge cultures, identify obstacles to intercultural dialogue, and discuss ways of overcoming these obstacles.” Hacker went on to emphasise that, in a globalised world, reflection on this topic is crucial – not least in view of the current economic, political and religious conflicts.

In a total of 14 lectures, scientists from very different regions of the world will be exploring the relationships between science and culture. Otfried Höffe, a philosopher at the University of Tübingen and this year’s programme coordinator, introduced participants to the topic with his opening lecture, “Universalität ‒ mit Recht auf Differenz: Wissenschaften im interkulturellen Dialog” (Universality – with a right to difference: The sciences in intercultural dialogue). Other lectures include “Wissenschaft im Dienst von Staat und Wirtschaft” (Science in the service of the state and economy) by Kinichi Mishima (Tokyo/Japan); “Die Diskussion um die Evolutionstheorie in der islamischen Welt” (The discussion surrounding the theory of evolution in the Islamic world) by Martin Thomas Riexinger (Aarhus/Denmark); “Das Verhältnis von indischer, arabischer und westlicher Mathematik zueinander” (The relationship between Indian, Arabic and Western mathematics) by Andrea Bréard (Heidelberg/Germany and Lille/France); and “Wissenschaft in Afrika im Spannungsfeld zwischen Geschichtsbildern und Wandel in der Geschichte” (Science in Africa – between concepts of history and historical change) by El Hadji Ibrahima Diop (Dakar/Senegal).

A highlight of the Annual Assembly is the lecture “Der interkulturelle Dialog und seine Feinde” (Intercultural dialogue and its enemies) by Jürgen Osterhammel of the University of Konstanz, to be held this evening (Friday) from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. in the Leopoldina’s grand hall. In his lecture, the renowned history professor discusses the limits of intercultural dialogue. What kind of resistance is it facing and where is this resistance so great that one is forced to speak of hostility?
At the Annual Assembly, Freiburg sinologist Lena Henningsen will be presented with the Early Career Award from the Commerzbank Foundation. She won the award for her outstanding research into present-day Chinese culture as well as her commitment to the field of intercultural dialogue and to promoting a differentiated image of China.

This year, 42 gifted schoolchildren from across Germany will again be invited to attend the Annual Assembly. They will have the chance to sit in on the scientific lectures and talk to high-profile researchers. This school programme is funded by the Friends of the Leopoldina.

CONTACT

Leopoldina

Caroline Wichmann

Head of Department Press and Public Relations

Phone 0345 - 472 39 - 800
Fax 0345 - 472 39 - 809
E-Mail presse(at)leopoldina.org

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