Digital violence has many faces: online backlashes and hate speech, the distribution of intimate images, deepfakes, covert and overt political influence—or even propaganda—as well as algorithmic discrimination and structural exclusion. It can be loud or quiet, public or invisible—and it has a real impact on people. The Science Pub brings these facets to light, categorizes them, and highlights ways we can protect ourselves, act in solidarity, and make digital spaces more equitable.

The speakers at the Science Pub are Prof. Dr. Georgios Terizakis, Vice President for Research and Transfer at the Hessian University of Public Management and Security, and Prof. Dr. Liebe, Dean of Studies for Analytical & Digital Forensics and Dean of Studies for Forensics & Crime Analysis at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. 

The event focuses on open dialogue between the audience and experts. At the beginning, researchers will present insights from their work, tailored to the theme of the respective Science Pub. This will be followed by a moderated discussion between the audience and the speakers. Questions, comments, and diverse perspectives are expressly encouraged. The Wiesbaden Science Pub is designed as an interactive event format that conveys scientific findings in an accessible way and encourages collective reflection—deliberately avoiding the traditional lecture format. Questions can be submitted on-site directly or anonymously via digital channels.

The exchange is guided by the Science Pub Netiquette: Discussions are fact-based and scientifically grounded. Personal opinions are welcome but take a backseat to established findings. The event thrives on dialogue between the audience and experts. The atmosphere is intentionally informal: food, drinks, and movement are just as much a part of it as curiosity and openness. 

The Science Pub is aimed at all citizens who are interested in current social issues from a scientific perspective and would like to discuss them beyond traditional lecture formats—in an accessible, critical, and relaxed atmosphere.

The Science Pub is a format of the Wiesbaden Science Network. For inquiries, please contact the network’s liaison, University Affairs Officer Rebecca Reinhard, in the Mayor’s Office, mitWIrken Unit, at mitwirkenwiesbadende. More information is also available at www.wiesbaden.de/leben-in-wiesbaden/bildung/hochschulen (opens in a new tab) and www.netzwerk-der-wissenschaft.de (opens in a new tab). You can subscribe to the “Wiesbaden Network of Science” newsletter at www.wiesbaden.de/newsletter-netzwerkwissenschaft (opens in a new tab).