Science and Society

Where Discovery Science, Ethical Considerations, and Societal Perspectives Meet

Discovery science has the potential to transform our everyday lives; the same research that holds promise for progress can also raise questions for society. Grounded in a commitment to basic science and strengthening the relationship between science and society, The Kavli Foundation is investing in efforts to explore engaging publics in ethical issues born from scientific discovery and empowering the scientists who are part of these research initiatives to navigate such issues. These projects will support exploration of societal considerations of basic research projects as well as generate insights into this work more broadly.

Building Societal Considerations into the Heart of Basic Research

An ethicist embeds himself into a Kavli Institute to spark chats about what the institute’s work could mean for society

Relaying Public Input on Machine Learning to Researchers

Zooniverse volunteers and basic scientists explore societal and ethical implications of machine learning in their projects

Bringing Ethical Considerations and Public Engagement into Astronomy

Creating guidelines to help astronomers engage Indigenous knowledge holders

The Ethics of Hyping Basic Science

When should we start discussing basic science? What role can and should hype play?

Ethics, the Public, and the Early-Career Researcher

A pair of projects helps basic scientists articulate their experiences navigating the societal considerations of their research and explores the creation of a network of engaged scientists

More about Ethics, Science, and the Public

Musings about what this work is and is not

The Kavli Foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity. The foundation’s mission is implemented through Kavli research institutes globally and programs that support basic science in the fields of astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience and theoretical physics; initiatives that strengthen the relationship between science and society; and prizes and awards including the international Kavli Prizes and the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism awards.

Guiding Principals

Kavli

Astrophysics

Nanoscience

Neuroscience