When the researcher takes a stand

Do researchers have a particular duty to participate in debates and take a clear stand? Can we trust researchers who not only document, but also demonstrate? Welcome to a debate on trust in research during the Norwegian Science Week.

Researchers are encouraged to communicate their research and participate in public debate. At the same time, they are warned against combining research with political activism. Put starkly, one might imagine the following dilemma: Should climate researchers merely document climate change, or should they join the demonstration outside the Norwegian Parliament to persuade politicians to change their policies?

Where the line should be drawn depends on whom you ask. Among other things, critics fear that politically engaged researchers may be tempted to tailor their research to suit their political agenda. Defenders would argue that working for social change based on science is the moral and right thing to do.

Between these clear extremes lie grey areas and pitfalls that can affect all researchers. When does civic engagement strengthen research, and when can it undermine trust in it? This question will be central when we invite you to a debate on trust in research during the Norwegian Science Week in the Stavanger region.

Panel:

Per Arne Bjørkum, professor emeritus, former dean at UiS, and author

Andreas Ytterstad, professor at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies (OsloMet), author, and climate activist

Ola Kvaløy, dean and professor at the UiS Business School

The discussion will be moderated by Anki Gerhardsen, media critic and editor-in-chief of the debate forum Lytring.

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This debate is part of the Norwegian Science Week—Norway's nationwide research festival. This year, trust is a recurring theme throughout the festival. The event is supported by the Research Council of Norway.