300466 Institutional structures and governance mechanism of science (S) (SoSe 2024)

Scientific research is conducted in various institutional settings, including universities, non-academic research institutes, as well as companies and firms. Within different national systems of innovation, these institutions serve different purposes and have distinct missions. Like other social systems, science is largely self-governed and follows its own logic. However, there are several non-scientific actors that attempt to influence research through various mechanisms.

The aim of the seminar is to develop an overview of the landscape in which science is institutionalized and the governance mechanisms that aim to influence the priorities of science and the directions of knowledge production. Although the primary focus is on Germany, various comparisons are made to explore similarities and differences with other countries. With its focus, the seminar is intended to complement the 'Introduction to Social Studies of Science', which provides an overview of different theories in the social studies of science. However, it is open to all students with an interest in the study of institutions and governance mechanisms.