No. 113/2021

For other researchers, however, communicating their research too openly on social media is risky. One exam- ple is Karen Radner, Humboldt Professor at LMUMunich. She is one of the most eminent experts on the Ancient His- tory of the Near andMiddle East – a region where the polit- ical situation is tense and often confusing. “On principle, I never comment on political issues, neither in interviews nor on social media,” says Karen Radner. A critical remark, even an interpretable comment could have a cascade of consequences. For her digs and fieldwork she is reliant on acquiring permits from the governments responsible, and they usually screen applicants. Moreover, there is a dan- ger of being targeted by fanatics, which could be a prob- lem not only for her herself but for the team on the spot. “I always tell my students and staff: ‘If you insist on post- ing, you should take care that your comments won’t have any negative implications for yourselves and your team’,” Karen Radner explains. But she also knows that the public sphere is an inherent part of research – she writes books for non-specialists, publishes on specialist websites and heads Calculation error in international climate study Arctic only thawing slowly! FIGURE 2 In your opinion, how has the relationship between science and the public changed since the beginning of the Corona pandemic? People’s expectations that science should deliver quick solutions have increased. The role of science in policy consultations has been strengthened. The overall reputation of science in society has been enhanced. Science communication has become more difficult. People’s understanding of science and research has grown. 31 16 7 13 5 51 61 58 36 44 16 19 31 44 43 2 4 4 7 8 Figures in percent. (n ≥ 5,536) completely disagree tend to disagree tend to agree completely agree FOCUS 16 HUMBOLDT KOSMOS 113/2021