Michael J. Bernstein
Researcher · Facilitator · Team Leader
Hi. I am a researcher, facilitator, and team leader working at the boundaries of science, policy, and practice. I strive to help diverse teams and institutions stretch toward social and environmental goals.
In my work, I bring rigor, curiosity, care, and joy to some of the most consequential challenges of our time — from democratic governance to innovation system design for broad public benefit.
I currently serve as a Senior Scientist and Research Field Leader of the Societal Futures group at the Austrian Institute of Technology's Center for Innovation Systems and Policy.
Vienna, Austria · Photo © Rob Smith
Recent
- 2026 New publication: Ethical playgrounds: unveiling a serious game for technological ethics. Humanities & Social Sciences Communications.
- 2025 New publication: Growing through Transformation Pains: Integrating Emotional Recognition, Holding, and Processing into Competence Frameworks. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability.
- 2025 Coordinator, YouthDecide 2040: Visions of Democracy with and for Future Generations Consortium. Funded by the European Union (Grant Agreement No. 101177438).
- 2024 Work Package Leader, RE4GREEN: Research Ethics and Integrity for the Green Transition. Funded by the European Union (Grant Agreement No. 101131706).
Areas of work
Focus Areas
Research on science, governance & sustainability
How to design innovation systems for public benefit, build capacity to work on hard sustainability problems, and engage people in the decisions that shape their lives.
Capacity Building
Facilitation, teaching & training
Designing and running learning processes for professionals, graduate students, and multi-stakeholder groups.
Leadership & Advisory
Team leadership & policy advising
Leading international research teams and advising on science and innovation policy across the EU and US.
Open to conversations about working together for just, sustainable ways of being on Earth.