On June 3, 2025, it's that time again: The Leibniz Association invites you to exchange ideas with around 180 scientists from all disciplines of the Leibniz Association. The LIfBi is participating in this year's edition of "Book a Scientist" with 10 exciting topics from educational research: from mathematical skills, the importance of digital skills and reading literacy in the 21st century to language acquisition in children with a migrant background, the effects of the Pisa shock and municipal developments after school closures to social cohesion in times of crisis.
Appointments for the online talks can now be booked can now be booked by anyone interested in science
Reading in transition: constancy and changes in a key skill in the 21st century
Even in the digital age, the ability to read and understand texts is a fundamental prerequisite for education and a self-determined life. However, reading behavior has changed significantly due to an oversupply of information. Find out what we know about the development of reading skills and the challenges involved in recording them in an interview with Dr. Karin Gehrer.
“I know that I know nothing”: Why is self-assessment of our skills so important?
Both at school and at work, a good self-assessment is important in order to realistically assess your own strengths and weaknesses - and to develop yourself further in a targeted manner. However, this process is complex: age, gender and level of education have a significant influence on how we perceive our own abilities. Dr. Maximilian Seitz explains in which cases an overestimation of one's own skills can even be an advantage.
The myth that math is a male domain: what are the gender differences in math and where do they come from?
Are men really better at math - or is this an outdated cliché? Mathematical skills are a key foundation for success in the STEM sector. Although there are still gender differences, Dr. Maximilian Seitz paints a differentiated picture: find out in an interview with him what role the test situation, age and socio-economic background play and why socio-emotional factors should not be underestimated.
The PISA shock and its effects: The influence of social background on educational progress
Since the PISA shock in 2001, we have known that the educational success of children and young people in Germany depends significantly on their social background. Although a large number of studies on the connection between social background and educational success have been published since then, there are still many gaps in research. In this interview, Dr. Claudia Karwath not only provides an insight into the current state of research, but also explains what can be learned from international comparisons, what progress has been made and what challenges remain.
Language and migration: Early language acquisition in the context of migration
Language is the key to the world - but for children with a migration background, learning language is often particularly challenging. Christian Lohmann talks to us about how language skills develop in children aged 3 to 9, what special patterns exist in the context of migration up to the 3rd generation of immigrants and what support measures help.
How can diversity be recorded in standardized surveys?
Terms such as “gender” and “family” are more diverse today than ever before - but standardized studies are often still unable to capture this. Educational research is working on developing new concepts and data collection tools in order to better consider and research gender identity and the increasingly diverse realities of family life. Dr. Monja Schmitt explains which approaches are already being tested and where the practical challenges lie.
Data literacy as a key skill in our world
Whether it's climate change or election results - current social issues often require a fundamental understanding of data. In order to understand and classify statistics, we need special skills: For example, we need to know how data is generated and can be used, how it is processed and evaluated or how to interpret data. Come and talk to PD Dr. Cornelia Schoor about data literacy and find out how the basic skills of the entire population differ from expert knowledge.
How permanent school closures affect community developments and voting behavior
What happens to a community when a school closes? Educational and childcare facilities such as daycare centers or schools often shape entire cities and districts. Closures can have far-reaching consequences, sometimes changing communities in the long term. They change the age structure, influence voting behavior and are often accompanied by a high level of political dissatisfaction. Local authorities therefore usually try to avoid permanent school closures. Sebastian Vogler explains what role the federal states play in the decision-making process and what consequences this can have for local authorities.
Social cohesion in times of crisis
Political trust in Germany has changed dramatically during the pandemic. Which social groups were particularly affected? How does this relate to the spread of conspiracy narratives? What effects do these changes still have today? Why is political trust important for social cohesion? Find out all this in conversation with Dr. Steffen Wamsler.
Digital skills: What aspects are important in order to be able to use digital media responsibly?
With the digitalization of modern society, digital skills have become increasingly important. Younger generations are referred to as "digital natives" because they are already growing up with digital media. Does this already lead to a more competent use of digital media? Research shows that the wide range of information on the internet is a challenge for young people. Teaching them how to deal with it in a reflective way is of immense importance. Find out more in an interview with Sümeyra Tural and Dr. Mariann Schwaß.
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