Founded in June 2024, RE-CARE is a young research collaboration exploring the intersections of crises, health, and technology. We understand crises as both acute and enduring phenomena, embedded in social contexts shaped by culture and history. To examine their impacts and technological possibilities, we focus our interdisciplinary exchanges on five areas.

Theoretical Approaches to Crises and Technologies

One of RE-CARE central aims is to foster dialogue on theoretical approaches that investigate the role and potential of technologies in various crises. Through this exchange, we seek to explore how technologies and crises shape individual and societal experiences and how people respond to new technological developments. In addition, we aim to examine the underlying logics of both crises and technologies, acknowledging the distinct cultural histories of technology and crisis in Japan and Germany.

Recent Publications

Emerging Technologies

Technology has an inherently dual nature, capable of both mitigating and exacerbating crises. Rapid advances in AI, the expanding use of drones for reconnaissance and medical supply delivery, and the growing presence of autonomous and interactive machines are driving a profound wave of technological transformation. Our aim is to critically examine these developments, investigate their specific fields of application, and evaluate the potential of these technologies to strengthen individual and societal resilience.

Recent Publications

Gender in Crises

Crises not only generate new gender-specific challenges but also intensify pre-existing inequalities. Worldwide, women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, gender-based violence, and limited access to healthcare and education, which heightens their vulnerability in times of crisis. They often carry primary responsibility for caregiving and household management. At the same time, men are frequently expected to participate in armed conflicts, often leaving their families behind and, in the most tragic cases, risking or losing their lives. Our objective is to examine these dynamics through a transcultural gender lens.

Recent Publications

Psychosocial Impact of Crises

In crisis scenarios such as pandemics, famine, war, and earthquakes, individuals face a range of emotional challenges, including fear, grief, loneliness, and stress. These conditions can destabilise the social fabric, contributing to increased aggression, social isolation, and stigmatisation. At the same time, the availability of support services, consistent communication, opportunities for physical activity, and robust social networks can foster and reinforce resilience. This research area focuses on the psychosocial dimensions of crises and examines how technology can enhance resilience at both individual and collective levels.

Recent Publications

Impact of Crises on Society and Healthcare

During economic, political, or health crises, social inequalities often become more pronounced. Low-income and marginalised populations are disproportionately affected, as they typically have limited access to resources and therefore experience the most severe repercussions. In the health sector, crises frequently overburden infrastructures due to increased demand for medical services, while shortages of personnel and equipment can exacerbate these pressures and compromise the quality of care. At the same time, crises can spur innovation and reform, creating a need for new solutions to address emerging challenges. This research area aims to investigate the complex developments associated with such crises.

Recent Publications

This project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The information contained on this website does not necessarily reflect the official position of the DFG.