Book a Scientist: In Conversation with GIGA Scientists

In individual discussions, the scientists take the time to go into greater depth on specific aspects of their research work. Depending on the research topic at hand, the contents of the talks range from the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to cybersecurity.

Lisa Hoffmann poses the question “Religion for Peace?” and provides insights from current research with examples around the globe.

Prof. Dr. Bert Hoffmann, GIGA expert on Cuba and the Caribbean, explores how island nations have been able to contain the pandemic and how also they have been able to kick-start vaccination programmes and economic recovery.

The pandemic has further highlighted the importance of cybersecurity. IT infrastructures, as well as facilitating digital work, must be secure and prevent cyberattacks too. A conversation about cyber sanctions is offered by GIGA expert Dr. Julia Grauvogel. The poor have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. In Latin America, the government’s response to social protection has ranged from broad-based in Brazil to no aid at all in Mexico. Prof. Dr. Merike Blofield, Director of the GIGA Institute for Latin American Studies, conducts research on this topic. Dr. Sangeeta Mahapatra examines government policies and public activism that counter the spread of digital disinformation. Dr. Mariana Llanos talks about presidential power, checks and balances, impeachment, and term limits. She focuses in her work on political institutions in Latin America. With “Book a Scientist,” the Leibniz Association facilitates direct exchange between interested audiences and Leibniz researchers. The 25-minute one-on-one meetings will take place online on 18 March 2021. An overview of all topics and dates of the event can be found here: www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/bookascientist.