Flood the Feed with Facts
For an informed democracy and a resilient science system
Public event held as part of the general assembly
of the association “Science for Democracy – We for You e.V.”
on 11 March 2026 at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Halle (Saale)
Democracy depends on an informed public. Science depends on independence, credibility and institutional stability. Both are under pressure: politically, communicatively and structurally.
With the event “Flood the Feed with Facts”, we are creating a space for exchange, strategy and networking. At the centre are two closely connected perspectives: democratic resilience and scientific resilience.
Programme
4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Introduction to the association “Science for Democracy – We for You e.V.” and contextualisation of the democracy initiative “Flood the Feed with Facts”
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session 1: Social Media and Democracy
A large part of democratic public discourse now takes place online. Disinformation, polarisation and algorithmically amplified outrage create new challenges for democratic debate.
Keynote input followed by discussion:
- How does social media function as a political instrument of power in election campaigns?
- Which formats truly reach people in ways that fit the platform and the target audience?
- What responsibility do we bear as institutions, organisations and democratic civil society?
The aim is to show how social media is used today as a political tool, why digital spaces are decisive and how to win allies who can help create democratic visibility together.
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Session 2: Resilient Science – Strategies for a Robust Science System
5:00–5:25 p.m.: Presentation of the guide to strengthening democracy at TU Dresden, Anja Wiede, TU Dresden, joining digitally
5:25–5:55 p.m.: Higher education in an insecure democracy, Justus Henke, Institute for Higher Education Research Halle-Wittenberg
Democratic and scientific resilience are closely connected. A strong democracy needs strong science, and vice versa. At the same time, the science system itself is facing growing challenges: attempts at political influence, loss of trust, attacks, polarisation and lack of resources.
With a focus on Saxony-Anhalt, we ask:
- Which strategies are science organisations pursuing to strengthen democratic resilience?
- How do science organisations safeguard their independence and credibility?
- Which governance and communication structures improve responsiveness?
- Where do legal and structural gaps remain, and how could they be closed?
The aim is to make approaches visible, learn from one another and identify shared perspectives for future development.
The event is aimed at representatives of universities, research institutions, science management, science policy and civil society actors.