One thing we have realized in recent years is how important legitimizing narratives are for shaping social design and change. Science communication plays a central role if these narratives are to be supported by evidence. Particularly in times of upheaval, we see the temptation to ignore unpleasant changes in reality in order to offer known and simple solutions. If distrust in facts, experts and decision-makers continues to increase, it will be very difficult for democracies to counter the arbitrary nature of populism and the dominance of the ruthless. That is why proper and socially sound scientific communication is a core element of social change.

The Science Ball represents a very special, indeed Viennese form of this communication – and combines two goals: to clarify the importance of science in its interaction with society and to show that honest observation can also release a lot of positive vibes.

Maja Göpel, born in 1976, works as a political economist, transformation expert and sustainability scientist at the interface of science, politics and society. In 2025, Maja Göpel will give the Vienna Lecture on Science Communication (in German) on Friday, 24 January  2025, a joint event of the ÖAW, the Wiener Vorlesungen and the Ball Committee. The participation is free, the registration on this page required.