In modern societies, expertise about many contemporary societal challenges is largely produced by scientists
and engineers. Mastering problems such as technological innovation and global environmental pressures call for
scientific and technological competence. This expertise, however, is not enough. Recently, researchers in the
humanities and notably historians have raised their voice and demanded stronger attention for historical research in the
investigation of such societal challenges. In this lecture, I will discuss examples from wind technology to climate and
environmental change to show how history of science and technology contributes knowledge to help understanding and
meeting contemporary societal challenges.