A scientist’s opinion: Interview with Dr Gabi Lombardo on the importance of social sciences and humanities
“Social sciences and humanities unveil weaknesses of our societies and allow us to address them”
Tuesday 3 February 2026 00:00
EASSH Director, Gabi Lombardo was interviewed for the European Science-Media Hub of the European Parliament in the context of the STOA workshop on 03 February 2026.
The STOA workshop ‘Humanities and social sciences at the heart of Europe’s future’, organised on 3 February at the European Parliament, will explore how best to incorporate social sciences and humanities (SSH) into the design of key EU initiatives.
The interview is on the role of the social sciences and humanities in European research and innovation.
Science journalist Michaela Nesvarova asked Gabi Lombardo the following questions:
- Why are social sciences and humanities (SSH) needed to tackle grand societal challenges and to secure Europe’s competitiveness?
- How can SSH become better integrated into European research and innovation (R&I)?
- What are your main thoughts on the current policies for the integration of SSH in EU-funded R&I projects?
- Could you comment on the main findings of the “Integration of Social Sciences and Humanities in Horizon Europe” report, which shows that 40% of topics under Pillar II were “SSH-flagged”, meaning SSH input was considered essential?
- How can we ensure that SSH are incorporated into the design of key EU initiatives and policies?