The World Knowledge Dialogue Webcast

Lessons learned from 2006

After the first WKD symposium (Crans-Montana – Switzerland) 2006, the foundation concluded that four overarching lessons emerged from this meeting:

• First, there is no single common language between the natural sciences and the human sciences, and only an in-depth understanding of the various epistemological approaches and methodologies will allow these culturally distinct entities to relate to each other on an equal footing and consequently develop a common understanding.
• Second, the attainment of a common understanding of our fragmented knowledge demands a predisposition for broad-minded listening to the other's point of view, as well as a humble migration out of one's own field of competence.
• Third, "the World has problems, and Universities have Faculties": As the 21st century approaches the end of its first decade, the structure and teaching in our universities and research institutions is in need of redefinition and should be complemented by a novel, interdisciplinary approach, giving broader meaning, a wider sense of responsibility, higher values and new perspectives to our knowledge.
• Fourth, there is apparently a "generation gap" among those willing to engage in developing a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to dialogue.

Julia Higgins

Principal of the Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College, London; UK
Professor Dame Julia Higgins was WKD Scientist in Residence during the 2006 symposium. A former Vice-President and Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society of Great Britain, she has pioneered exploration of the responsibilities of being a scientist in the modern world and been instrumental in bringing consideration of gender issues in European science to the political forefront.

Kiyoshi Kurokawa

Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and WHO Commissioner, Chair of Health Policy Institute of Japan.
Kiyoshi Kurokawa served as the President of the Science Council of Japan and as a member of the Committee for the Science and Technology Policy of the Cabinet Office of the Government (2002-2006); He was Professor of Medicine, at UCLA (1979-1984) and the University of Tokyo (1989-2006); served as Dean and Professor at Tokai University between 1996-2002.