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Kinetic effects in monolayer self-assembly at liquid-solid interfaces are not well explored but can provide unique insights. We use variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to quantify the desorption kinetics of 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (NDA) monolayers at nonanoic acid-graphite interfaces. Quantitative tracking of the decline of molecular coverages by STM between 57.5 and 65.0 °C unveiled single-exponential decays over the course of days. An Arrhenius plot of rate constants derived from fits results in a surprisingly high energy barrier of 208 kJ mol-1 that strongly contrasts with the desorption energy of 16.4 kJ mol-1 with respect to solution as determined from a Born-Haber cycle. This vast discrepancy indicates a high-energy transition state. Expanding these studies to further systems is the key to pinpointing the molecular origin of the remarkably large NDA desorption barrier.

Encoding information in the chemical structure of tectons is the pivotal strategy in self-assembly for the realization of targeted supramolecular structures. However, frequently observed polymorphi...

Self-assembly of three-dimensional molecules is scarcely studied on surfaces. Their modes of adsorption can exhibit far greater variability compared to (nearly) planar molecules that adsorb mostly flat on surfaces. This additional degree of freedom can have decisive consequences for the expression of intermolecular binding motifs, hence the formation of supramolecular structures. The determining molecule-surface interactions can be widely tuned, thereby providing a new powerful lever for crystal engineering in two dimensions. Here, we study the self-assembly of triptycene derivatives with anthracene blades on Au(111) by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure and Density Functional Theory. The impact of molecule-surface interactions was experimentally tested by comparing pristine with iodine-passivated Au(111) surfaces. Thereby, we observed a fundamental change of the adsorption mode that triggered self-assembly of an entirely different structure. Funding Agencies|Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftGerman Research Foundation (DFG) [LA1842/9-1]; Swedish Research councilSwedish Research CouncilEuropean Commission; Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin; Projekt DEAL

Origins of life research is particularly challenging to communicate because of the tension between its many disciplines and its nearness to traditionally philosophical or religious questions. To authentically represent scientists’ perspective in a museum exhibition, we interviewed 46 researchers from diverse backgrounds. We investigated how they perceive their field, science communication, and the relation with religion. Results show that researchers actively participate in resolving the scientific debate, but delegate the resolution of controversies involving non-scientific institutions. Advocating for science is the foremost communication goal in all contexts. Career stage, research subject, religiosity, etc. influence the approach to controversies and communication.

Structural characterization in on-surface synthesis is primarily carried out by Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) which provides high lateral resolution. Yet, important fresh perspectives on surface interactions and molecular conformations are gained from adsorption heights that remain largely inaccessible to SPM, but can be precisely measured with both elemental and chemical sensitivity by Normal-Incidence X-ray Standing Wave (NIXSW) analysis. Here, we study the evolution of adsorption heights in the on-surface synthesis and post-synthetic decoupling of porous covalent triazine-phenylene networks obtained from 2,4,6-tris(4-bromophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TBPT) precursors on Ag(111). Room temperature deposition of TBPT and mild annealing to ~150 °C result in full debromination and formation of organometallic intermediates, where the monomers are linked into reticulated networks by C-Ag-C bonds. Topologically identical covalent networks comprised of triazine vertices that are interconnected by biphenyl units are obtained by a thermally activated chemical transformation of the organometallic intermediates. Exposure to iodine vapor facilitates decoupling by intercalation of an iodine monolayer between the covalent networks and the Ag(111) surface. Accordingly, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and NIXSW experiments are carried out for three successive sample stages: organometallic intermediates, covalent networks directly on Ag(111) and after decoupling. NIXSW analysis facilitates the determination of adsorption heights of chemically distinct carbon species, i.e. in the phenyl and triazine rings, and also for the organometallic carbon atoms. Thereby, molecular conformations are assessed for each sample stage. The interpretation of experimental results is informed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, providing a consistent picture of adsorption heights and molecular deformations in the networks that result from the interplay between steric hindrance and surface interactions. Quantitative adsorption heights, i.e. vertical distances between adsorbates and surface, provide detailed insight into surface interactions, but are underexplored in on-surface synthesis. In particular, the direct comparison with an in-situ prepared decoupled state unveils the surface influence on the network structure, and shows that iodine intercalation is a powerful decoupling strategy.

The interplay between self‐assembly and surface chemistry of 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexaminotriphenylene (HATP) on Cu(111) was complementarily studied by high‐resolution Scanning‐Tunneling‐Microscopy (STM) and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) under ultra‐high vacuum conditions. To shed light on competitive metal‐coordination, comparative experiments were carried out on pristine and nickel‐covered Cu(111). Directly after room temperature deposition of HATP onto pristine Cu(111) self‐assembled aggregates were observed by STM, while XPS indicated non‐deprotonated amino groups. Annealing up to 200 °C activated the progressive single deprotonation of all amino groups as indicated by chemical shifts of both N 1s and C 1s core levels in the XP spectra. This enabled the formation of topologically versatile π‐d conjugated coordination networks with intrinsic copper adatoms. The basic motif of these networks was a metal‐organic trimer, where three HATP molecules were coordinated by Cu3 clusters, as corroborated by accompanying Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations. Additional deposition of more reactive nickel atoms resulted in both chemical and structural changes with deprotonation and formation of bis(diimino)‐Ni bonded networks already at room temperature. Even though fused hexagonal pores were observed, extended honeycomb networks remained elusive, as tentatively explained by a restricted reversibility of these metal‐organic bonds.

The use of solid supports and ultra-high vacuum conditions for the synthesis of two-dimensional polymers is attractive, as it can enable thorough characterization, often with submolecular resolution, and prevent contamination. However, most on-surface polymerizations are thermally activated, which often leads to high defect densities and relatively small domain sizes. Here, we have obtained a porous two-dimensional polymer that is ordered on the mesoscale by the two-staged topochemical photopolymerization of fluorinated anthracene triptycene (fantrip) monomers on alkane-passivated graphite surfaces under ultra-high vacuum. First, the fantrip monomers self-assemble into highly ordered monolayer structures, where all anthracene moieties adopt a suitable arrangement for photopolymerization. Irradiation with violet light then induces complete covalent crosslinking by [4+4] photocycloaddition to form a two-dimensional polymer, while fully preserving the long-range order of the self-assembled structure. The extent of the polymerization is confirmed by local infrared spectroscopy and scanning tunnelling microscopy characterization, in agreement with density functional theory calculations, which also gives mechanistic insights.

The surface chemistry of 1,6-dibromo-3,8-diiodopyrene (Br2I2Py) is comparatively studied on Au(111) versus Ag(111) surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions by a combination of high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray spectroscopy. The chemical state of the molecular networks, that is, the dehalogenation and the possible formation of organometallic intermediates, is assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, pyrene tilt angles are quantified by carbon K-edge near edge X-ray absorption fine structure experiments. Upon room-temperature (RT) deposition of Br2I2Py onto Au(111), only partial deiodination was found, and STM revealed the coexistence of ordered arrangements of both intact Br2I2Py molecules and organometallic dimers as well as few larger aggregates. Further annealing to 100 °C triggered full deiodination followed by the formation of organometallic chains of otherwise still brominated molecules. By contrast, on Ag(111), iodine is fully and bromine is partly dis...

We report on post-synthetic decoupling of covalent polyphenylene networks from Au(111) by intercalation of a chemisorbed iodine monolayer. The covalent networks were synthesised by on-surface Ullmann polymerization of 1,3-bis(p-bromophenyl)-5-(p-iodophenyl)benzene precursors on Au(111) under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The present study relates to previous work, where successful detachment was demonstrated on Ag(111) by a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. On the more reactive Ag(111) surfaces, intercalation was readily accomplished by exposing the samples to iodine vapour at room temperature. On more noble Au(111), however, STM, XPS and NEXAFS consistently indicate that the same protocol merely results in co-adsorption of iodine on uncovered surface areas, whereas the covalent networks remain adsorbed on the metal. Yet, performing the iodine exposure at elevated surface temperatures similarly results in detachment of the organic networks via intercalation of an iodine monolayer also on Au(111) as evidenced by characteristic changes in STM. In addition, owing to the high thermal stability of the covalent networks and the comparatively low iodine desorption temperature, the reversibility of the process is demonstrated: sample annealing at 400 °C results in complete desorption of the iodine monolayer, whereby the covalent networks re-adsorb directly on Au(111).

A protocol is proposed for the solvent-free on-surface synthesis of covalent organic framework monolayers by condensation of diboronic acids. Monomers are vapor-deposited and water is used for equilibrium regulation. Samples are characterized on progressively smaller length scales by light microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy.

Self-assembly of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (trimesic acid – TMA) monolayers at the alkanoic acid–graphite interface is revisited. Even though this archetypal model system for hydrogen bonded porous networks is particularly well studied, the analysis of routinely observed superperiodic contrast modulations known as moiré patterns lags significantly behind. Fundamental questions remain unanswered such as, are moiré periodicity and orientation always the same, i.e. is exclusively only one specific moiré pattern observed? What are the geometric relationships (superstructure matrices) between moiré, TMA, and graphite lattices? What affects the moiré pattern formation? Is there any influence from solvent, concentration, or thermal treatment? These basic questions are addressed via scanning tunneling microscopy experiments at the liquid–solid interface, revealing a variety of different moiré patterns. Interestingly, TMA and graphite lattices were always found to be ∼5° rotated with respect to each other. Consequently, the observed variation in the moiré patterns is attributed to minute deviations (

Surface-assisted Ullmann coupling is the workhorse of on-surface synthesis. Despite its obvious relevance, many fundamental and mechanistic aspects remain elusive. To shed light on individual reaction steps and their progression with temperature, temperature-programmed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (TP-XPS) experiments are performed for a prototypical model system. The activation of the coupling by initial dehalogenation is tracked by monitoring Br 3d core levels, whereas the C 1s signature is used to follow the emergence of metastable organometallic intermediates and their conversion to the final covalent products upon heating in real time. The employed 1,3,5-tris(4-bromophenyl)benzene precursor is comparatively studied on Ag(111) versus Au(111), whereby intermolecular bonds and network topologies are additionally characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Besides the well-comprehended differences in activation temperatures for debromination, the thermal progression shows marked differences between the two surfaces. Debromination proceeds rapidly on Ag(111), but is relatively gradual on Au(111). While on Ag(111) debromination is well explained by first-order reaction kinetics, thermodynamics prevail on Au(111), underpinned by a close agreement between experimentally deduced and density functional theory (DFT) calculated reaction enthalpies. Thermodynamically controlled debromination on Au(111) over a large temperature range implies an unexpectedly long lifetime of surface-stabilized radicals prior to covalent coupling, as corroborated by TP-XPS of C 1s core levels. These insights are anticipated to play an important role regarding our ability to rationally synthesize atomically precise low-dimensional covalent nanostructures on surfaces.

Die Oberflachensynthese von organischen Nanoschichten mithilfe reaktiver Metalloberflachen fuhrt zu stark adsorbierten organischen Nanostrukturen, deren intrinsische Eigenschaften jedoch durch die starke Bindung zur Oberflache verdeckt werden. Daher ist die Reduzierung der elektronischen Kopplung zwischen den organischen Netzwerken und den ublicherweise verwendeten Metalloberflachen ein erster wichtiger Schritt zur Charakterisierung der wahren Eigenschaften. Wir zeigen, dass postsynthetische Iodexposition zur Interkalation einer Iodmonolage zwischen kovalenten Polyphenylen-Netzwerken und Ag(111)-Oberflachen fuhrt. Die experimentell beobachteten Veranderungen zwischen oberflachengebundenen und abgelosten Nanolagen werden anhand von DFT-Simulationen nachvollzogen. Die erzielten Erkenntnisse zeigen, dass Iodinterkalation zu einem Material fuhrt, dessen geometrische und elektronische Eigenschaften denen freistehender Netzwerke sehr ahnlich sind.

Metal surface-induced dehalogenation of precursors is known to initiate self-assembly of organometallic networks, where tectons are connected via carbon-metal-carbon (C-M-C) bonds. Even though reversibility of the C-M-C bonds facilitates structural equilibration, defects associated with highly bent organometallic linkages are still commonly observed. By introducing a steric hindrance to reduce the C-M-C bond angle flexibility, we find well ordered organometallic networks of an ortho-methyl substituted 1,3,5-tris(p-bromophenyl)benzene analogue on Cu(111) after room-temperature (RT) deposition and on Ag(111) after annealing.

Fundamental insights into the kinetics and thermodynamics of supramolecular self-assembly on surfaces are uniquely gained by variable-temperature high-resolution Scanning-Tunneling-Microscopy (STM). Conventionally, these experiments are performed with standard ambient microscopes extended with heatable sample stages for local heating. However, unavoidable solvent evaporation sets a technical limit on the duration of these experiments, hence prohibiting long-term experiments. These, however, would be highly desirable to provide enough time for temperature stabilization and settling of drift but also to study processes with inherently slow kinetics. To overcome this dilemma, we propose a STM that can operate fully immersed in solution. The instrument is mounted onto the lid of a hermetically sealed heatable container that is filled with the respective solution. By closing the container, both the sample and microscope are immersed in solution. Thereby solvent evaporation is eliminated and an environment for long-term experiments with utmost stable and controllable temperatures between room-temperature and 100 °C is provided. Important experimental requirements for the immersion-STM and resulting design criteria are discussed, the strategy for protection against corrosive media is described, the temperature stability and drift behavior are thoroughly characterized, and first long-term high resolution experiments at liquid-solid interfaces are presented.

Self-assembly and thermally activated surface chemistry of 1,3,5-benzenetrithiol (BTT) on Cu(111) are studied under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions by different complementary surface sensitive techniques. Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) patterns acquired at room temperature and during subsequent heating reveal irreversible phase transitions between in total four different long-range-ordered phases termed α-phase to δ-phase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the different phases facilitates the identification of major chemical changes for the first phase transition from α- to β-phase, whereas in the succeeding phase transitions, no significant chemical shifts are observed anymore. The structural characterization of each phase is carried out by high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and adsorption geometries of the phenyl rings are derived from C 1s near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). The combination of the results from this array of experimental techniques lea...

Monolayer self-assembly of a hexabrominated, three-fold symmetric aromatic molecule is studied at the heptanoic acid-graphite interface. Thermodynamical insights are obtained from an adapted Born-Haber cycle that is utilized to derive the overall enthalpy change including solvent effects. Comparison with theoretical entropy estimates suggests a minor influence of solvation.

Self-assembly of 1,3,5-tris(4-mercaptophenyl)benzene (TMB), a 3-fold symmetric, thiol-functionalized aromatic molecule, was studied on Au(111) with the aim of realizing extended Au-thiolate-linked molecular architectures. The focus lay on resolving thermally activated structural and chemical changes by a combination of microscopy and spectroscopy. Thus, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) provided submolecularly resolved structural information, while the chemical state of sulfur was assessed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Directly after room-temperature deposition, only less well ordered structures were observed. Mild annealing promoted the first structural transition into ordered molecular chains, partly organized in homochiral molecular braids. Further annealing led to self-similar Sierpiński triangles, while annealing at even higher temperatures again resulted in mostly disordered structures. Both the irregular aggregates observed at room temperature and the chains were identified as metal-organic assemblies, whereby two out of the three intermolecular binding motifs are energetically equivalent according to density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The emergence of Sierpiński triangles is driven by a chemical transformation, i.e., the conversion of coordinative Au-thiolate to covalent thioether linkages, and can be further understood by Monte Carlo simulations. The great structural variance of TMB on Au(111) can on one hand be explained by the energetic equivalence of two binding motifs. On the other hand, the unexpected chemical transition even enhances the structural variance and results in thiol-derived covalent molecular architectures.

The term quantum physics refers to the phenomena and characteristics of atomic and subatomic systems which cannot be explained by classical physics. Quantum physics has had a long tradition in Germany, going back nearly 100 years. Quantum physics is the foundation of many modern technologies. The first generation of quantum technology provides the basis for key areas such as semiconductor and laser technology. The “new” quantum technology, based on influencing individual quantum systems, has been the subject of research for about the last 20 years. Quantum technology has great economic potential due to its extensive research programs conducted in specialized quantum technology centres throughout the world. To be a viable and active participant in the economic potential of this field, the research infrastructure in Germany should be improved to facilitate more investigations in quantum technology research.

Biotechnologie ist ein exemplarischer Fall „Neuer Technologien“, die die Möglichkeitshorizonte moderner Gesellschaften definieren und deren Diskussion Einblick in zentrale gesellschaftliche Interessenlagen, Konfliktlinien und Entwicklungsdynamiken erlauben. Eine sozialwissenschaftliche und historische Perspektive auf die Kommunikation, Debatten und Kontroversen um Biotechnologie gibt Hinweise auf neue, mehr Erfolg versprechende Kommunikationsansätze. Visionäre Forschungsfelder wie die Künstliche Fotosynthese und kontroverse Bereiche wie die sog. Genom-Chirurgie stellen immer wieder von neuem die Frage, wie neben Vertretern von Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft auch Vertreter von (Teil-)Öffentlichkeit(en) ihre Ideen, Erwartungen und Befürchtungen einbringen können und wie sich Öffentlichkeit frühzeitig in Innovationsprozesse einbeziehen lässt.

The on-surface synthesis of covalent organic nanosheets driven by reactive metal surfaces leads to strongly adsorbed organic nanostructures, which conceals their intrinsic properties. Hence, reducing the electronic coupling between the organic networks and commonly used metal surfaces is an important step towards characterization of the true material. We demonstrate that post-synthetic exposure to iodine vapor leads to the intercalation of an iodine monolayer between covalent polyphenylene networks and Ag(111) surfaces. The experimentally observed changes from surface-bound to detached nanosheets are reproduced by DFT simulations. These findings suggest that the intercalation of iodine provides a material that shows geometric and electronic properties substantially closer to those of the freestanding network.

On-surface self-condensation of 1,4-benzenediboronic acid was previously shown to yield extended surface-supported, long-range-ordered two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs). The most important prerequisite for obtaining high structural quality is that the polycondensation (dehydration) reaction is carried out under slightly reversible reaction conditions, i.e., in the presence of water. Only then can the subtle balance between kinetic and thermodynamic control of the polycondensation be favorably influenced, and defects that are unavoidable during growth can be corrected. In the present study we extend the previously developed straightforward preparation protocol to a variety of para-diboronic acid building blocks with the aim to tune lattice parameters and pore sizes of 2D COFs. Scanning tunneling microscopy is employed for structural characterization of the covalent networks and of noncovalently self-assembled structures that form on the surface prior to the thermally activated polycondensation reaction.

In the present study on-surface polymerisation of aromatic iodinated precursor molecules through radical addition is studied by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on Au(111) under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Comparison of the two analogous monomers s-triiodobenzene and s-triiodophenylbenzene with similar symmetry and functionalization but differently sized organic backbones aimed to study the influence of monomer size on the morphology of resulting covalent networks. In contrast to previous studies on brominated monomers, here the reaction by-product, i.e., the split-off iodine atoms, was found to adsorb stably on Au(111) in ordered structures. The influence of post-processing by thermal annealing on both the covalent networks and the iodine structures was studied for different temperatures. DFT calculations were applied to evaluate formation energies of commonly observed topological defects and related to their experimental probability of occurrence.

„Erklare mir und ich vergesse. Zeige mir und ich erinnere. Lass es mich tun und ich verstehe“, heist eine konfuzianische Maxime. Diese lasst sich auf verschiedene Arten der Wissenschaftskommunikation anwenden.

„Das meiste, was die Menschen uber die Wissenschaften wissen, stammt aus der Schule“, resumierte der Wissenschaftsjournalist Winfried Gopfert nach einer Analyse der Berichterstattung uber Wissenschaft in Deutschland im Jahr 2002. Er relativierte mit seiner Aussage einerseits den Einfluss der Massenmedien und hob andererseits hervor, dass man die Schule nicht vergessen darf, wenn von Wissenschaftskommunikation die Rede ist.

Charakteristisch fur die letzten Jahre ist, dass Wissenschaftler immer haufiger selbst die Initiative ergreifen. Sie nehmen sich vermehrt die Zeit und haben die Geduld, ihre Arbeit selbst vorzustellen – „Wissen aus erster Hand“. Dies geschieht in Form von Teilnahmen an Vortrags- und Diskussionsveranstaltungen, Tagen der offenen Tur, Klassenbesuchen in Forschungseinrichtungen, in Museen (Abschn. 16.4) oder indem Wissenschaftler in die Schulen gehen sowie Medienkontakten (Interviews bzw. eigene Beitrage) oder eigenen Blogs.

Grostechnologien wie Chemiefabriken, Kernkraftwerke, Flughafen hatten bis in die 1970er Jahre starken offentlichen Ruckhalt. Die von den Experten auf Basis der Produktformel von Eintrittswahrscheinlichkeit und Schadensausmas ermittelte Risikoabschatzung und -bewertung war allgemein akzeptiert „und die Vertreter der technischen Elite hatten masgeblichen Einfluss auf die Politik“. Doch dieses Bild sollte sich wandeln und der Protest etwa gegen die Kernenergie erreichte immer mehr Bevolkerungsgruppen. „Als den grosen Wendepunkt im Atomkonflikt kann man das internationale Gorleben-Symposium in Hannover Ende Marz 1977 ansehen, das zeitlich mit dem Storfall von Harrisburg [Kernkraftwerk „Three Mile Island“, USA] und der bis dahin grosten AKW-Demonstration zusammenfiel. Das Symposium brachte eine neue Qualitat in die Kontroverse; man gelangte uber einen stereotypen Schlagabtausch mit immer gleichen Argumenten hinaus, und die Front der Kernenergiebefurworter begann zu zerbrockeln“.

Strukturen, die um das 10.000-Fache kleiner sind als der Durchmesser eines menschlichen Haares – dies ist das Arbeitsgebiet der Nanowissenschaftler, deren typische Maseinheit der Nanometer ist: ein Millionstel Millimeter (die folgende Darstellung ist angelehnt an Heckl und Weitze 2012). Von der Nanowissenschaft – der Name leitet sich von dem griechischen „nanos“ fur „Zwerg“ ab – verspricht man sich unter anderem neue Materialien, Oberflachen mit Eigenschaften nach Mas und Maschinen von der Grose eines Molekuls. So revolutionar die Aussichten, so tief greifende gesellschaftliche Fragestellungen werden dabei aufgeworfen – Fragen, zu denen es keine „richtigen“ oder „falschen“ Antworten gibt.

Vor einigen Jahren konnte man als Herausforderungen fur die Wissenschaftskommunikation noch deren Sichtbarkeit, Vernetzung und Professionalisierung nennen. Heute steht man in Deutschland diesbezuglich recht gut da, auch im internationalen Vergleich. Nachfrageorientierung, Verbreitung (etwa im Sinne bislang vernachlassigter Zielgruppen) und Verwissenschaftlichung erscheinen dagegen als Punkte, die seit Jahren genannt werden, jedoch noch immer zentrale Herausforderungen darstellen.

Befragt man US-Amerikaner, ob sich der heutige Mensch aus fruheren Tierarten entwickelt hat, kommt man seit Jahrzehnten zu dem Ergebnis, das jeweils knapp die Halfte der dortigen Bevolkerung dieser Aussage zustimmt bzw. nicht zustimmt. In Europa liegt die Zustimmungsrate immerhin bei 70 %. Zwar scheinen die meisten Amerikaner zu wissen, was die Darwinsche Evolutionstheorie besagt, dass sich also der Mensch aus tierischen Vorfahren entwickelt hat (72 %), aber sie akzeptieren diese nicht als zutreffende Beschreibung – weil sie offenkundig mit ihrem Wertesystem in Konflikt steht.

Die Arbeitsteilung in der Gesellschaft bringt enorme Effizienzgewinne. Aber: Da alles mit allem zusammen hangt, ist es nicht problematisch, wenn niemand mehr das Ganze uberblickt? Fruher war es moglicherweise anders: Vor rund 200 Jahren unternahm Alexander von Humboldt den Versuch, in einem funfbandigen Werk Kosmos – Entwurf einer physischen Weltbeschreibung eine Gesamtschau von Mineralogie und Geologie uber Pflanzen- und Tierkunde bis zur Himmelskunde zu erstellen.

Wunsche, Hoffnungen, Befurchtungen, Erwartungen und die Frage danach, wie wir in Zukunft leben wollen – solche Bewertungen von Sachverhalten und damit verbunden die Zustimmung oder Ablehnung von Technologien konnen durch Umfragen indirekt erfasst werden (wobei die Art der Fragen und die Interpretation der Antworten besondere Aufmerksamkeit erfordern, vgl. Renn und Zwick 1997, S. 19). Ein Lehrbuch definiert Einstellungen „als bilanzierende Bewertungen von gedanklichen Objekten“. „Daruber hinaus“, fasst der Soziologe Jurgen Hampel zusammen, „sind Einstellungen weit davon entfernt, etwas Homogenes zu sein. Einstellungen unterscheiden sich in ihrer Funktion, die sie fur den Inhaber haben. Diese reichen von der Reduktion von Komplexitat bis zur Selbstexpression. Sie unterscheiden sich in ihrer Stabilitat und sie unterscheiden sich in ihrer Verfugbarkeit. Wahrend manche Einstellungen prasent sind und in einer gegebenen Situation einfach abgerufen werden konnen, werden andere Einstellungen erst situativ gebildet“ (Hampel 2008, S. 61).

„Technik“ als Begriff gelangte erst um 1900 in den allgemeinen Sprachgebrauch, wie der Technikhistoriker Joachim Radkau darstellt: „Es war vor allem die Elektrifizierung, die […] die Vorstellung begrundete, dass nunmehr nicht nur diese und jene neue Erfindung, sondern ein neuer Typus von Technik seinen Siegeszug antrete und dabei sei, alle Bereiche der Technik zu durchdringen“. Der heute „pratentiose“ (Radkau) Begriff „Technologie“ tauchte zwar bereits im 18. Jahrhundert auf und meinte die Lehre von der Technik (im Sinne eines Handwerks). „Das war noch nicht die ‚Technologie‘ im heutigen Sinne: Diese scheint erst seit den 1970er Jahren als Amerikanismus (‚technology‘) in den allgemeinen Gebrauch gekommen zu sein. Oft fungiert sie als bloses Synonym dessen, was zuvor einfach ‚Technik‘ hies“. Begrifflich noch etwas weiter geht der Begriff „Neue Technologien“. Alfred Nordmann beschreibt, „dass es sich bei ihnen gar nicht um Technologien handelt, sondern um eine Vereinnahmung wissenschaftlicher Forschung, die vor allem als Ergebnis und als Betreiber von Technikentwicklung gesehen wird“.

Die Art der Mediennutzung befindet sich in einem Wandel. So wird zwar noch das Fernsehen am haufigsten als Informationsquelle genannt (EU: 65 %) zu Themen aus Wissenschaft und Technik, aber das Internet (35 % inkl. Soziale Medien und Blogs) hat in vielen Landern die Zeitung (EU: 33 %) bereits uberholt. Wahrend Fernsehen und Zeitung bei eher Alteren dominant sind, nutzen Jungere verstarkt das Internet zur Informationsbeschaffung. Weiter differenziert zeigt sich, dass das Internet als Informationsquelle dann eine umso grosere Rolle spielt, wenn es um Wissenschaftsmeldungen und die Recherche spezifischer Themen aus Wissenschaft und Technik geht . Es ist aber wohl zu einfach gesagt, dass das Internet die Tageszeitung „ablost“: Bei der Suche nach Wissenschaftsnachrichten im Internet nutzen in den USA zwei Drittel die Online-Prasenz von Tageszeitungen.

Ob Biosicherheit, Energiesysteme oder Klimawandel: Wenn moderne Demokratien, die sich als Wissensgesellschaften verstehen, „ihre Legitimitat durch die Verknupfung demokratischer Reprasentation und wissenschaftlicher Rationalitat“ beziehen, kommt wissenschaftsbasierte Politikberatung als weitere Art der Wissenschaftskommunikation ins Spiel. Eine Art der Wissenschaftskommunikation, die auf Empfehlungen zu Entscheidungen zielt oder die Handlungsoptionen und mogliche Konsequenzen zeichnet. Politik „braucht Wissen, um vernunftig entscheiden zu konnen“, Wissenschaft „hat entscheidungsrelevantes Wissen und durchaus keinen Grund, es fur sich zu behalten. […] Das Wissen, das modernen Gesellschaften zu Gebote steht, ist zu einem wachsenden Teil wissenschaftsproduziert. Politik […] wird, indem sie immer wissensabhangiger wird, immer wissenschaftsabhangiger“ (Kielmansegg 2011).

Kommunikation setzte in der Vergangenheit ein, nachdem eine Technologie entwickelt worden war und Meinungen dazu bereits verfestigt. Hochglanzbroschuren sollten Bewunderung hervorrufen und fur Zustimmung sorgen. Lange Zeit lies sich dieses Verhaltnis von Wissenschaft und Offentlichkeit mit dem Defizitmodell beschreiben (Abschn. 1.2): Die Wissenschaft definiert den Stand des Wissens. Dieses Wissen wird vereinfacht an die Offentlichkeit weitergegeben. Die bleibt passiv – und soll die Neue Technologie allenfalls akzeptieren.

Forschung und Technik sind eine notwendige, aber keine hinreichende Voraussetzung fur einen erfolgreichen Forschungs- und Innovationsstandort. Relevant sind als Rahmenbedingungen „Interesse und Zustimmung seitens der Bevolkerung an neuen technischen Verfahren und Anwendungen“ bzw. das „gesellschaftliche Innovationsklima eines Landes“, das durch eine „offene und sachliche Haltung [der Bevolkerung] gegenuber neuen Technologien und ihren Anwendungen“ begunstigt wird. Wenn Wissenschaft und Technik an sich ambivalent sind (Abschn. 3.3), ist es passend, dass sie auch in der Offentlichkeit differenziert betrachtet werden. Und dass die Praferenzen der Offentlichkeit fruhzeitig in den Prozess der Forschung und Entwicklung einbezogen werden.