3 / 2021 // LEOPOLDINA / NEWS 3
Editorial
Dear Members and Friends of the Leopoldina ,
Over the past few months , digitalisation has been a common thread running through Leopoldina publications and events . Mid-June saw the publication of the statement on “ Digitalisation and Democracy ” ( see page 10 ), which presented an analysis of the role of digital technology within public discourse and set out their impact on a democratic society . In partnership with the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the U . S . National Academy of Sciences , the Leopoldina went on to host the symposium “ Digitization and Democracy ” ( see page 10 ). It was absolutely fascinating to consider perspectives on the major digital platforms and players from the USA and Israel , two tech-savvy nations . This was the first time that these academies have worked together as a three and we hope that we can pick up this collaboration again soon .
Digitalisation has also been playing a major role during the COVID-19 pandemic . That much is clear from the Leopoldina discussion paper on “ Ways to boost digital efforts to tackle the pandemic ”, which explains the role played by apps , wearables and administration software in the fight to curb the coronavirus pandemic and looks into potential ways of better exploiting the
Image : David Ausserhofer | Leopoldina
Prof . ( ETHZ ) Dr . Gerald Haug , President of the Leopoldina
strengths of these technologies ( see page 11 ). More needs to be done – and swiftly – to make the most of the opportunities afforded by digitalisation in schools too . The ad hoc statement on “ Psychosocial and educational challenges and opportunities for children and adolescents during the CO- VID-19 pandemic ” published on 21 June also raises this point ( see page 9 ). Meanwhile , the statement on “ Economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic – analysis and possible courses of action ” published on 21 July describes digitalisation as an opportunity and an essential factor in boosting productivity across society as a whole ( see page 8 ).
Here at the Leopoldina , we have digital solutions to thank for the fact that the academy can continue with its work at full pace despite the ongoing pandemic . For the Annual Assembly ( see page 4 et seq .) we decided on a hybrid format to combine on-site discussions in Halle ( Saale ) and digital exchange .
I hope you find this issue an interesting and inspiring read .