Social scientists fight for their field of research

Initiating a dialogue about the value, benefits and responsibilities of social sciences and humanities is the ambition of the Memorandum of social and human scientists in Slovakia, signed by over 300 of them. Gabriel Bianchi of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) said that the memorandum is based on the lack of economic, political and social appreciation of the humanities and social sciences in this country. It also aims at pointing out that science and its development in Slovakia should not be assessed solely through the lens of quantitatively measurable benefits. "The memorandum is therefore an effort to point out that the development of humanities and social sciences cannot do without adequate economic conditions, understanding and cooperation with technical and natural sciences, as well as developing dialogue with the public about the benefits of humanities and social sciences," said Bianchi. Emil Višňovský from the Comenius University in Bratislava pointed out that the memorandum states the social responsibility that these branches of science should voice. "It draws attention to the critical and creative reflection that we lack," said Višňovský.