Focus on social transformation: Conference at the Institute for Communication Studies.

(05.11.2025) From 5 to 7 November 2025, scientists from the fields of communication and media studies, computer science and sociology met to discuss research and teaching that, on the one hand, investigates social transformation processes and, on the other hand, shapes society using transformative methods.

The aim of the conference was to shed light on the role of media communication, digital technologies and artificial intelligence technologies (transformation as a subject) as well as communication and media studies, other social sciences and computer science in complex social transformations (transformative methods). The main focus of the discussion was on how science can contribute to understanding and actively shaping such transformation processes.
In addition to examining transformation as a research subject, the conference therefore focused on various transformative methods that media researchers use to shape society in addition to generating knowledge. Ultimately, the reflection on transformation as a method also involved self-reflection on communication and media studies and their role and responsibility in transformation processes.

The conference was organised by the Media Sociology and Sustainability Research Group at the Institute for Communication Studies.

Further information and the programme can be found here.