Which impacts does technology have on man? How does the society influence scientific developments? The KIT Focus concentrates on these questions and studies the interaction between man and technology. On Monday, May 23, 2011, the Focus will be inaugurated officially at the Tollhaus Cultural Center with the former Federal Minister of the Environment, Professor Klaus Töpfer, speaking. Journalists are cordially invited and asked to register using the form enclosed.
Technology accompanies man in most areas of life: It is the main component of mobility, energy or the health care sector. The KIT Humans and Technology Focus studies the consequences of technical innovations and analyzes the interaction between society and science.
The Focus links natural sciences and engineering with humanities and social sciences. About 420 researchers from 35 institutes of KIT cooperate on this interdisciplinary level and concentrate on the topics of health, culture, environment, economy, work, and knowledge. In addition, the two multidisciplinary issues of “Sustainable Development” and “Innovation Processes and Technology Design” are covered. The scientific spokesman of the Focus is Professor Armin Grunwald.
On Monday, May 23, 2011, the Humans and Technology Focus will be opened by a ceremony. The event will start at 17 hrs with a poster presentation of the Focus. Then, the former Federal Minister of the Environment, Professor Klaus Töpfer, will speak. Lyricist Christoph Köhler will read from twitters and reveal entertaining links between digital technology and society. The science rapper Kate McAlpine and the “Vocal Resources” jazz choir will provide for the musical program of the evening.
Program:
17 hrs:
Presentation of the Focus in the entrance hall
Poster presentation of the KIT Humans and Technology Focus
Vocal Resources
Jazz choir directed by Friedrich-Wilhelm Möller
18 hrs:
Welcome addresses
Dr.-Ing. Peter Fritz, KIT Vice President for Research and Innovation
Prof. Dr. Armin Grunwald, Spokesman of the KIT Humans and Technology Focus
Large Hadron Rap – Science Rap
Kate McAlpine, Science Communicator
18.30 hrs
Speech
“Humans and Technology – On the Paths of Sustainable Development”
Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, retired Federal Minister of the Environment and long-time Director of the UN Environmental Protection Program (UNEP)
Twitter reading
Christoph Köhler, speaker and lyricist
Further information can be found at: www.mensch-und-technik.kit.edu. The opening ceremony will be organized by ZAK | Center for Applied Cultural Science and Studium Generale at KIT.
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.