The transfer of research to the public creates transparency, strengthens trust in scientific findings, promotes informed political and social debate and, last but not least, contributes to the democratisation of knowledge. At the same time, the dialogue between research and the public inspires new perspectives, which in turn can promote the further development of science.

The range of topics covered by the CDSC ties in with current debates and future issues in many areas. These include the opportunities and challenges of the digital transformation, ethical implications of the increasing use of AI algorithms, and issues of (environmental) sustainability. Added to this are the peculiarities of complex nonlinear systems, which are ubiquitous in nature, society and technology, but often elude our everyday thinking and its linear intuitions.

The CDSC fulfils its social responsibility by organising and participating in a wide range of science communication events for different audiences. These include public lectures and lecture series, workshops, panel discussions and involvement in teacher training and Girls' Day.