The department for science studies brings together researchers dealing with historical and contemporary transformations in the global system of science. A particular focus are the manifold interactions and interfaces between science, politics, and society in various national and transnational settings. Most projects in the department are interdisciplinary, bringing together the sociology and history of science, science and technology studies, science policy studies, science communication research, as well as broader theoretical and methodological discussions from sociology, philosophy, and cultural studies. At the same time, the knowledge created not only enhances academic reflections about the state and future of the science system and academic institutions, but also addresses stakeholders from science policy, research management, science communication, as well as the wider public interested in general questions of how scientific research is embedded in and transforms modern societies.