The lecture by Dr. Sauer marks the kick-off of an event series called “Interdisciplinary Dialogue” at the IRI at the Humboldt University of Berlin, which will be sponsored by the Schering Stiftung. The series provides young scientists from a variety of disciplines and institutions with an opportunity to engage in an interdisciplinary conversation in order to explore commonalities and controversies and develop collaborative and innovative research approaches. In public lectures, internationally renowned visiting scientists introduce the dialogue on the given topic. The lecture is followed by a workshop where a group of scientists from biomedical (basic) research, psychology, the agricultural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities have the chance to engage in an intensive dialogue with the visiting scientists. The aim is to gain a better and deeper understanding of the research topics of the various disciplines and identify areas of cooperation. A second workshop then specifically aims to build research collaborations, maybe invite additional potential partners, and identify funding possibilities.

The Schering Stiftung supports the event series, since it is interdisciplinary and aims to promote and connect young scientists with each other. By developing cooperative and innovative research approaches, the events seek to produce concrete results and collaborations. The public part of the event addresses another concern of the Foundation: promoting the dialogue between science and society.