In a world facing complex and interrelated challenges—such as climate change, poverty, accelerated disruption from new technologies, migration, and international conflict—the social sciences play a fundamental, though often undervalued, role in the search for sustainable solutions. Faced with this challenge, ten leading European universities in the social sciences are joining forces in CIVICA to discuss the need […] … learn more→

● Many young people believe in zodiac signs and other forms of pseudoscience. ● Although not scientific, pseudoscience offers a comfortable and easy-to-understand personal narrative. ● If not balanced with critical thinking, belief in pseudoscience can have serious consequences. Olivia (27 years old) has long been familiar with the world of zodiac. She even uses […] … learn more→

It might seem surprising, but federal research funding isn’t just for scientists. A component of many federal grants that support basic research requires that discoveries be shared with nonscientists. This component, referred to as “broader impacts” by the National Science Foundation, can make a big difference for K-12 students and teachers, museumgoers, citizen scientists and other people […] … learn more→

We very often start out on a research project with a BIG question. Or a big problem or puzzle. Why do people think that there is no climate crisis? Why are universities not funded properly? How can we cope with increasingly turbulent weather? How can we ethically use AI in teaching?  You get the idea. Add […] … learn more→

I’m a writing professor who sees artificial intelligence as more of an opportunity for students, rather than a threat. That sets me apart from some of my colleagues, who fear that AI is accelerating a glut of superficial content, impeding critical thinking and hindering creative expression. They worry that students are simply using it out of […] … learn more→

We are facing a planetary crisis with multiple intertwined dimensions: ecological, social, political, economic, caregiving… and meaningful. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services ( IPBES ), ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss cannot be resolved solely with protectionist measures or environmental regulations. What’s really needed is a profound social transformation and the creation […] … learn more→

A new publisher, Conduit Books, founded by UK novelist and critic Jude Cook, will focus on publishing literary fiction and memoirs by men: at least initially. Conduit is currently seeking its launch title, “preferably a debut novel by a male UK novelist under 35”. It aims to publish three books a year from 2026. Diminishing attention […] … learn more→

Creativity gives rise to the goods and services of cultural industries in which abstract dimensions—such as culture and art—are linked to other, more concrete dimensions such as production, the economy, and the market. In 2009, UNESCO proposed an “inclusive and open” definition of the cultural and creative industries: “These are the sectors of activity whose main objective […] … learn more→

Recently, my 8-year-old son received a birthday card from his grandmother. He opened the card, looked at it and said, “I can’t read cursive yet.” Then he handed it to me to read. If you have a child in the Philadelphia School District, chances are they have not been taught how to read or write […] … learn more→

In today’s world, where the economic growth and development of each country determines its international standing, countries are seeking to improve their development indicators in order to play a role in the international affairs. The insurance industry is one of the most important economic institutions in societies, even supporting the activities of other institutions. Therefore, […] … learn more→