In study groups, we bundle, deepen, and expand expertise, in particular through interdisciplinary discourse on our cross-thematic core topics. The study groups‘ work results in statements, recommendations and policy briefs, written contributions and papers, books, events and talks, and much more.

Project groups take up new, current topics and can develop into study groups.

Study Group „European Security and Peace“

Since 2017, the study group has been focusing on the key contexts and challenges of European and Global Security. In doing so, it continues VDW’s tradition in the field of cooperative security and peace policy, in which science has played a special role. When the VDW was founded, the focus had been on issues of nuclear disarmament and arms control – as reflected particularly in the 1957 Göttingen Declaration on Nuclear Armament as well as participation in the international Pugwash movement.

In the meantime, new security risks, complex conflict dynamics, and crisis constellations have emerged alongside nuclear weaponry – ranging from digitalization to climate change. The development is accelerated by technical and scientific progress and its ambivalence as well as by economic and social processes of globalization. Under the changing conditions of the 21st century, the (apparent) stability of the previous world order is dissolving; the challenges to peace and security in and around Europe are increasing. Chances for a cooperative world order are dwindling. Nationalist power politics are fueling a chaotic dynamic that increases the danger of a new uncontrollable arms race, weakens established forms and institutions for dealing with conflicts, and clouds the prospect of a sustainable European peace order. Following in the tradition of the VDW, the study group aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex conflict dynamics through analyses, statements as well as events, and to draw constructive conclusions for an appropriate peace policy.

» Find out more (in German)

Study Group “Technology Assessment of Digitalization”

The study group takes on a science- and socio-critical approach towards questions of digitalization, networks, and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as their social prerequisites, applications, limits, and consequences. This includes ethical, legal, political, economic, and social issues of research, development, and application. Already in 2018, the study group presented a first statement on ethical issues of AI.

According to the VDW’s self-image, recognizing developments that endanger people and the world at an early stage as well as enabling reasonable actions for safety and hazard prevention are central public interests. To this end, science can and must make a significant contribution. The goal of the study group is therefore to examine possible dangers of digitalization, networks, and AI comprehensively and critically.

Based on a holistic view of the world and humanity, the group discusses, for example, whether research and development to generate AI poses a threat to

  • human life, health, safety, dignity, and autonomy (also: capabilities, skills), as well as
  • access to economic, social, and political participation (also: communication, democratic processes)

– and if so, to what extent. The necessary discussions must take place, on the one hand, within the respective contexts of application, and, on the other hand, on a broader social and political level.

Since its preparations for the VDW’s 2019 annual conference on „The Ambivalences of the Digital – Between New Spaces of Possibility and (Imperceptible) Losses“, the study group has been engaged in conferences, public events, and position papers:

  • with philosophical questions of the underlying worldview and anthropology,
  • on questions of the fourth, industrial revolution and its consequences for economy, work, and social affairs, as well as
  • on cross-cutting issues and projects with other existing as well as former study groups – such as on topics like AI and consequences for peacekeeping and warfare.

The group aims to continue this work and deepen it in cooperation with various universities and other institutions.

» Find out more (in German)

Study Group “Health as Self-Determined Participation”

Since its constitution in March 2017, the focus of this study group is on the ethical foundations of a public welfare-oriented health policy in the digital age and the philosophical-scientific basis of the doctrine of anthropology.

The group has set itself the general task of identifying, analyzing, and assessing developments in the health care system through (interdisciplinary) discourse. In doing so, it is guided by the VDW’s general goal of responsible science. The study group cooperates with all disciplines necessary for this purpose.

To date, some of the topics that have been addressed are the following:

  • the personalization of health in the age of digitalization and biotechnology
  • structural inequalities in the development of health and life opportunities for all people
  • scenarios of a public sustainable health promotion (draft of a mission statement for the public health service)
  • statement on the health policy of the political parties during the Bundestag elections and press release on 20.09.2017
  • meeting on post-approval medication monitoring on 11.16.2017
  • submission of the collaborative application „Ambivalences of the Digital“ to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research; eleven different institutions/universities participated in this application
  • preparation of and participation in the 2019 VDW annual conference „The Ambivalences of the Digital“
  • publication of the book „Digital Promises of Salvation“ (Verlag Dr. med. Mabuse 2020)
  • and many more.

The VDW and the VDW study group „Health as self-determined participation“ welcome interested scientists at any time.

Since 2020, Prof. Johann Behrens is the elected spokesperson. You can contact the study group at any time via info@vdw-ev.de or johann.behrens@medizin.uni-halle.de

» Find out more (in German)