Everything about Social Sciences

Who has the right to alter the climate?

The idea of dispersing sulphur particles in the atmosphere to cool the Earth sounds adventurous, but it is being discussed. However, geoengineering is politically highly controversial. Researchers are addressing questions of responsibility, power and control over such technologies.

Human nature in disaster response

Floods, wildfires, and heatwaves show how fragile our systems become in a crisis. Before official help arrives, people often rely on each other. In these crucial first hours, spontaneous volunteers – everyday citizens without formal training – step in. They act outside of official plans, yet they are often the decisive factor when disaster brings entire regions to a standstill. For scientists, one thing is clear: without the human factor, disaster preparedness remains incomplete.

Reinventing cities

When a region undergoes structural change, it often leads to job losses, vacant buildings, and declining tax revenues. Over time, the remaining residents may begin to feel cut off from the rest of the world. Researchers are now exploring what shrinking cities can learn from one another – and how they might be revitalized.

Election campaigns on television

In front of millions of viewers, the leading candidates faced off in six televised debates in the run-up to the 2025 federal elections. Researchers at the RPTU took a close look at the impact of the performances - with the help of many viewers who rated the candidates using a smartphone app.