While the World Health Organization (WHO) may have officially declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2023, the process of comprehending this global crisis is still in its infancy. Official statements like those from the WHO, though not always legally binding, hold significant sway, as all of us have experienced during the pandemic years – from the declaration of the pandemic and the imposition of lockdowns to mask mandates and vaccination recommendations. What has become abundantly clear is how swiftly a health crisis can morph into an all-encompassing societal crisis.

The profound disruptions to people's lives and the intricate processes of negotiation have sparked crucial questions: What is the true state of affairs? What takes precedence? Who has the authority to voice opinions? Who can claim the mantle of interpretation? Is this truly democratic? These questions revolve around issues of social unity, trust in institutions, democratic legitimacy, scientific veracity, and political efficacy, and answers to them are still pending.

The conference "Health Crisis – Societal Crisis?" seeks to make a meaningful contribution to addressing these questions and serve as a platform for discussion for both experts and the interested public.