Humanities and social sciences have an increasingly bad reputation due, mainly, to their preoccupation with the past or, in best case scenario, with the present – but pursued from the perspective of old principles and obsolete theoretical paradigms. The current research project challenges this past-oriented approach and proposes an investigative model patterned upon progressive STE(A)M practices: the analytical gaze on research fields typical for humanities and social disciplines is employed with scientific accuracy on the quest for future-oriented technologies. The expected results enhance the concept of “interdisciplinarity” beyond its ongoing understanding and explore in clear-cut terms and ideas humanity’s balancing act between self-destruction and a victorious expansion towards the stars.

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The goal of this research project is to focus on the shifting dynamics in humanities and social sciences from delving into the past and reacting to the outcomes of the present into co-creating the future as proactive, self-reliant citizens. The fundamental work hypothesis is the syntagma “our present is the result of past choices – so, if we want a different future, we need to make different decisions now” with the corresponding insights:

1. expansion towards other planets is a necessity rather than a luxury,

2. cooperation among humans and among nations is a survival strategy and no an alternative lifestyle imagined by dreamers,

3. compassion is fundamental to the human race instead of a “take it or leave it” buzz-word promoted by social media.

The interdisciplinary approach aims at highlighting these dimensions and at proposing valid, sustainable solutions for emerging futures.