1 / 2025 // LEOPOLDINA / NEWS 5
ence diplomacy ” is the Berlin Declaration on Carbon Neutrality , published by the Leopoldina together with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in October 2024 .
Your election is the first time that a Member of Class IV – Humanities , Social and Behavioural Sciences has headed the Leopoldina , which was founded in the 17th century by natural scientists and physicians . Rockenbach : Class IV is very important for the Leopoldina , as pressing issues in society can only be addressed by using an interdisciplinary approach and with input from the humanities and social sciences . This was seen very recently in relation to the coronavirus statements , which also required the discussion of social and psychological effects , such as those relating to school closures .
What has always fascinated me about the Leopoldina is that it brings together excellent scientists from many different disciplines and provides a forum for them to interact . This interdisciplinary approach also shaped my own academic career at an early stage and led me from mathematics to economics and specifically to behavioural economics , which requires the integration of disciplines .
As a behavioural economist , you have conducted research into the social dilemma and how to encourage cooperation . Are you finding it hard to put this to one side ?
“ I have always found it very appealing that so many different disciplines are represented at the Leopoldina .”
Bettina Rockenbach , 28th President of the Leopoldina
Rockenbach : When I was approached by the committee , I realised that it was time for me to make the decision to devote myself fully to my new role at the Leopoldina . As a dedicated scientist it was a difficult decision . But at a certain time of life , you ask yourself – perhaps particularly as an economics-minded person – “ where can I add the greatest value to society ?” Now , I am delighted to be able to contribute my experience and ideas in an outstanding organisation such as the Leopoldina .
Keyword “ time of life ”. What role can junior and young scientists play in this very “ venerable ” Academy ? Rockenbach : The fact that the Leopoldina has a quality-assured selection process to attract the best scientists is one of its great strengths . The selection criteria mean that Members are usually somewhat older . However , it is important to take on board the ideas of younger people . I would like to open things up by allowing young researchers to propose a conference on an important future topic and bring internationally leading figures to Halle .
■ THE INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED BY ADELHEID MÜLLER-LISSNER
Bettina Rockenbach
HANDOVER CEREMONY IN HALLE ( SAALE )
Bettina Rockenbach was inaugurated as the 28th President of the Leopoldina at the ceremonial handover of office on 21 February . In her inaugural speech , she stressed the following : “ Dear Gerald , I am determined to continue the forward-looking transition towards providing consultation at an early stage , which you initiated during your time in office .” The economist , who has been a Member of the Leopoldina since 2013 , went on to outline the fundamental direction of her office . She also spoke about the role of science in finding solutions to conflicting goals in society and the role of the Leopoldina in providing scientific advice for society .
The handover of office on 1 March also marked the end of Gerald Haug ’ s ML term of office . The climate researcher was the 27th President of the German National Academy of Sciences from March 2020 to February 2025 . In his farewell speech , he referred to three guiding principles that became increasingly relevant to his work : forward-looking and rapid policy advice , the deregulation of research and innovation , and committed science without activism .
■ DW / Images : Anna Kolata , Markus Scholz | Leopoldina