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The Science Barometer 2021 shows that despite the Corona pandemic, the population's trust in science and research remains high. In particular, people trust the statements of scientists regarding the pandemic situation and trust doctors and medical personnel. However, there are also skeptical voices who believe that scientists are not disclosing all information about the coronavirus and that the pandemic is being exaggerated. Most respondents wish for political decisions based on scientific knowledge and for science to contradict political decisions when they ignore scientific findings. The internet is the most common source of information about science and research, with websites and media libraries of news media being the most used. The Fraunhofer Institute and Kairntech have created a knowledge graph for psychiatric illnesses to assist medical professionals in making decisions about therapies. The Tagesspiegel paper archive is looking for a new location to preserve its historical collection from 1945 to 1993. Scientists are calling for the strengthening of STEM education in all areas of education in a position paper. The use of the internet has become even more important for many people during the Corona pandemic. However, there is also an increased digital divide in society, which is based on factors such as age, level of education, and household net income. A representative survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation shows that the pandemic has further exacerbated existing differences in digital sovereignty. Older people, people with low levels of education, and people with low incomes are particularly affected. The results of the survey highlight the need to take measures to improve digital participation for all population groups. A study shows that younger people and women attach more importance to the internet than older people and men. The use and value of the internet also increase with higher levels of education. However, for older people over 60, the importance of internet use has decreased compared to the pre-corona period. Independent searching for solutions on the internet has increased the most compared to 2019. Around half of the respondents use the internet to search for answers and solve problems. Many wish for support in learning digital skills, especially in the form of instructional videos or online courses. [Extracted from the article]

The ZB MED - Information Center for Life Sciences has digitized and made available online historical literature on infectious diseases. In Hessen, a digital index has been introduced to measure the use of digital services during the Corona pandemic. The document heritage for restitution after 1945 is being made digitally accessible. The State Archives of Baden-Württemberg and FIZ Karlsruhe are working on a thematic portal for restitution. "Bad Bots" were responsible for a large part of the global internet data traffic in 2021, especially in Germany. The DAAD has launched the Konrad-Zuse-Schools to promote AI talent. The DFG has published a position paper on scientific publishing. Germans are increasingly using video consultations and have had positive experiences. The German National Library has introduced a new system for automatic content indexing. The BBK and FOKUS have developed a data space for crisis information. The BMBF is funding the "HERAKLION" project to improve the use of crisis data. The Fraunhofer Institute EMI will create a decentralized data space for civil security. The Federal Ministry of Transport is promoting the digital transformation of urban mobility. A Forsa survey shows interest in scientific further education. The Petitions Committee recommends alternative uses for essential services. [Extracted from the article]