In their keynote speeches, political scientist Marc Geddes of the University of Edinburgh and jurist Iris Eisenberger of the University of Vienna focused on the relationship between science and politics. In the context of misinformation, the loss of confidence in politics and challenges such as the pandemic and the climate crisis, this is more important and urgent than ever, argued Geddes. For him, parliaments are “institutions of knowledge”: Knowledge is collected, produced and evaluated during the parliamentary process. Democracy and knowledge are inextricably linked, Geddes emphasized. Because who is heard influences who is involved in the parliamentary process – and who is not.
Eisenberger advocated a clear separation of roles between experts and politicians in legislation. While experts must provide expertise, it is the responsibility of politicians to set priorities and make responsible decisions. The jurist also defended reducing the pace of use of artificial intelligence programs. In their current form, they are a challenge to liberal democracies.