Category Archives: BUA

BUA, Event, Knowledge Exchange, News, Third Mission

Workshop-Conference: Learning, Teaching, and Researching with Society

Engagement with societal stakeholders is one of the four key pillars of the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science: individuals and institutions from society should be actively involved in the creation of knowledge and scientific processes should be made more transparent, inclusive and accessible to a broader public through participatory collaboration.

The HU Office for Public Engagement and Knowledge Exchange with Society at the Zentrum für Kulturtechnik and the BUA Open Science Ambassadors program invite all interested to discuss such innovative collaboration and formats of knowledge exchange between academic, artistic and civil society perspectives at the workshop conference. (Please register here for all or for selected events of the day, please note that some events will take place in German.)

The event highlights collaborations from participatory research and teaching, curatorial practice, as well as artistic-scientific collaboration at Humboldt-Universität. A particular emphasis is placed on the practice of translation between various stakeholders from academia and society in order to shape knowledge production as a shared, dialogical process. The event reflects on translation practices between research and application, between teaching and non-university spaces, and between scientific, artistic, and lived forms of knowledge.

The event provides a space for networking, informal exchange and sharing of hands-on experiences on implementing innovative formats and collaborations in research and teaching in order to contribute to the goals of Open Science: sustainable transparency and inclusivity of science, equitable collaboration and societal participation, and the de-hierarchization of knowledge production.

Time: Friday, June 12, 2026

Place: Zentrum für Kulturtechnik, HU Campus Nord, House 3, Philippstr. 13, 10155 Berlin

Registration: Workshop Conference

Conference Program
Pre-Conference (upon invitation, in German)
09:30-11:30 Pre-Conference: Strategy Workshop for Participatory Research and Teaching at HU Berlin: The exchange between academia and society has always been central to the identity of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Building on this commitment, the university wants to continuously develop its structures and collaborative partnerships to strengthen open science and promote learning, teaching, and research through participatory and transdisciplinary approaches. The workshop focuses on future strategic objectives of public engagement and knowledge exchange with society initiatives at HU. It discusses necessary institutional changes, support structures for engaged university members and next steps. In a World-Café format, participants are invited to exchange perspectives and participate in developing a future strategy.   
 
Moderation:
Antje Nestler, Co-Creating Futures; Dr. Kristin Werner, Käte Hamburger Kolleg inherit. heritage in transformation, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin / Co-Creating Futures
11:30 Welcome and Coffee
Panel-Discussion „Between University and Society“ (in German)
12:00-13:30 Panel-Discussion „Between University and Society: Translate, Mediate, Unlearn. Reflexive Practices of Knowledge Production”: The intended panel discussion views knowledge exchange as a form of reflexive translation practice between the university and society and will focus on experiences from transdisciplinary teaching, participatory research and arts-science collaboration. The discussion will explore how knowledge production can be shaped without reproducing existing hierarchies and exclusions and what role reflection, unlearning, and situated practice play in this process. At the same time, the panel does not merely discuss translation, mediation, and unlearning, but addresses these questions by reflecting on project experiences using the DCRP approach (Decolonial Critical Reflective Practice). The discussion will particularly examine the disparity between initial expectations and the experiences gained during implementation, and create a space to reflect on tensions and misunderstandings in the research process as well as the associated learning processes.   
 
Moderation:
Dr. Alia Rayyan, Researcher  “Theory and Practice of Curating,” Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
 
Guests:
– Dr. Nadja-Christina Schneider, Department of Asian and African Studies, South Asian Studies, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Adela Taleb, Department of European Ethnology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Dr. Pegah Byroun-Wand, Institut of Art Studies and Historical Urban Studies, Technische Universität Berlin
13:30-14:20 Lunch Break
In-Practice Discussion „Teaching and Learning with Society und Lehren“ (in German)
14:20-15:20 In-Practice Discussion I: Situated Practice & Place-Based Learning: The discussion focuses on concepts, methods, and practical experiences with approaches to learning in collaboration with society, specifically related to situated practice and community-based learning. Learning is understood as a process embedded in social, spatial and societal contexts, in which students and projects collaborate with non-university partners and local communities, linking academic questions to real-world societal challenges. The session will discuss opportunities, challenges and conditions surrounding participatory and place-based projects that design academic work as a shared, reciprocal space of knowledge and include societal perspectives.     
 
Moderation:
Dr. Jana Wendler, Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science
 
Guests:
– Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Verhoeven, Department of German Language and Linguistics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Juana Awad, Researcher, Curator, inherit Fellow 2024/25
– Dr. Léa Perraudin, Department of Cultural and Media Theory, Matters of Activity, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Paz Ponce, Curator for Outreach,  Tieranatomisches Theater, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
15:30-16:30 In-Practice Discussion II: Practicioners in Teaching and Teacher Training: This discussion explores how to successfully involve external partnerships and society participants in teacher education. Collaborations with schools, civil society initiatives, cultural institutions and local organizations enable prospective teachers to integrate pedagogical practice with social perspectives, to understand schools as part of a social and democratic environment, and to experiment with creative methods in learning and teaching. The panel facilitates a discussion on potential opportunities, creative collaborations and experiences in working with societal partners in teacher education.      
  
Moderation:
Prof. Dr. Niels Pinkwart, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  
Guests:  
– Prof. Dr. Petra Anders, Department of Education, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Dr. Julia Frohn, Central Institute Professional School of Education, Research and Transfer, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Maike Löhden, Department of Education, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Irina Demina, Choreographer, artistic researcher, teacher
16:30-17:00 Coffee Break
Performative Encounters „Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement“ (in Englisch)
Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement: What role does the body play as a source of insight in a post-digital knowledge culture? What epistemic perspectives do body-based approaches open up for learning and research processes that are traditionally strongly cognition-centered? Two interactive presentations and a panel discussion will demonstrate how creative collaborations between science, art, and society address these questions. The event provides insight into projects of the new Public Engagement Hub “Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement” at ZfK. The Hub views knowledge production as a collaborative process and supports projects and teaching formats that explore creative embodied approaches as research method, teaching medium and outreach format, and develop scientific-artistic-practical work as participatory practice.
17:00-17:50 Performative Encounter I: Prof. Dr. Shintaro Miyazaki & Irina Demina
18:00-18:50 Performative Encounter II: Anna Schäffner & Michaela Filzi
19:00-20:00 Panel-Discussion on Public Engagement Hub “Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement”.   
  
Moderation:
Leonie Kubigsteltig, Office for Public Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, Zentrum für Kulturtechnik

Guests:
– Irina Demina, Choreographer, artistic researcher, teacher
– Anna Schäffner, Matters of Activity, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
– Michaela Filzi, Multidisciplinary artist, dancer, eco-somatic researcher 
– Dr. Jeanette Ehrmann, Department of Social Sciences, Political Theory, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Following Drinks and Networking

Organized by

  • HU Office for Public Engagement and Knowledge Exchange with Society at the Zentrum für Kulturtechnik, HU Berlin’s central office for participatory research, teaching, and practice
  • ZfK department “Theory and Practice of Interdisciplinary Curating,” Chair for inter- and transdisciplinary engagement with curatorial practices (supported by Bundesbeauftragten für Kultur und Medien)
  • BUA Ambassadors for Open Science program with Xenia Muth and Dr. Alia Rayyan (Zentrum für Kulturtechnik) as Open Science Ambassadors 2025–26

   

Photo: Stefan Klenke

BUA, Knowledge Exchange, News, Open Humboldt Freiräume, Third Mission

Universities have a civic duty

In this first networking event for knowledge exchange with society, experts and academics from Oxford and Berlin came together at Humboldt University’s Center for Cultural Technique to discuss the topic of public engagement.

The historic lecture hall and the object laboratory of the Center for Cultural Techniques provided the perfect space – the international speakers contributed the specific professional expertise for this November event: the topic of “Researching with Society – International Perspectives” brought together 50 scientists and science-related stakeholders to exchange ideas on how researching with society can succeed. The importance, possibilities and techniques of participatory research and the role of universities were discussed in lectures and workshops.

A highlight of the day was the keynote speech by Dr. Victoria McGuinness, Head of Public Engagement and Head of the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) at the University of Oxford. She emphasized the changing role of universities – from a static educational institution to an institution with social responsibility and an open space for discourse – and at the same time highlighted the importance of every scientist as a “doorway to the university” for non-academic communities.

Talks and workshops

On invitation by the office for Knowledge Exchange with Society at Humboldt University’s Center for Cultural Technique and the TD-Lab – Laboratory for Transdisciplinary Research of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA), participants were able to explore the methods and impact of participatory research in practical workshops and network with other public engagement experts.

For example, the workshop “What is Public Engagement with Research in the Humanities?” with Dr. Victoria McGuinness offered the opportunity to talk about motivation and support systems needed to bring researchers into exchange with non-academic publics.

In the workshop “Developing Compelling Impact Stories” with Pavel Ovseiko, DPhil MSc PGDip, Senior Research Fellow in Health Policy and Management at John Radcliffe Hospital (University of Oxford) the participants looked at ways in which social impact can be defined, collected, communicated and established in a meaningful way.

Ausblick auf 2025

The exchange on public engagement will be continued next year and opportunities for further training – such as the recently launched cooperation with the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science – will be expanded. The aim is to support scientists who are conducting or planning to conduct research projects in participatory ways.

Questions, suggestions and/or specific ideas can be sent to wissensaustausch.hzk@hu-berlin.de 

Photos by Stefan Klenke, Humboldt University

BUA, Knowledge Exchange, News, Third Mission, Workshop

Researching with Society: International Perspectives

HU Office for Knowledge Exchange with Society at Zentrum für Kulturtechnik | TD-Lab – Laboratory for Transdisciplinary Research of the Berlin University Alliance

Time:    Wednesday, 20. November 2024, 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Place:    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Nord, Philippstraße 13, Haus 3, 10115 Berlin
(Keynote/Workshops: Entrance Tieranatomisches Theater;
Reception: Entrance Hermann von Helmholtz-Zentrum für Kulturtechnik)

This is an in-person event that will take place in English. Please note that the workshops are currently fully booked and that your name will be added to a waiting list. Please register your interest here.

Researching with Society: International Perspectives

We are pleased to announce the event “Researching with Society: International Perspectives” on November 20th 2024, a get-together at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin on participatory research and public engagement offering learning and networking opportunities for Berlin researchers. The day will feature a keynote speech and workshops by international experts from the University of Oxford followed by a reception allowing time and space for networking and discussions.
Science and universities have a central role and responsibility in dealing with major societal challenges of our time. Knowledge exchange between academia and society is thus increasingly becoming an important part of research and knowledge production. The event welcomes all researchers, members of BUA institutions and interested science-related organizations to explore approaches and impact of participatory research and public engagement, discuss civic responsibilities of universities and network with partners from the University of Oxford. Please join us for the following program:

12:40 pm   Doors open at Tieranatomisches Theater

1:00-1:45 pm   Keynote Speech: Enhancing Research Through Public Engagement – Strengthening Participatory Approaches in Academia
by Dr. Victoria McGuinness, Head of Public Engagement, Head of The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH), University of Oxford
preceded by a welcome by Prof. Dr. Julia von Blumenthal, president of HU Berlin

This talk will explore the vital role of universities in addressing today’s societal challenges and their civic responsibilities. It will outline the opportunities for collaboration and co-creation and the added value of participatory approaches and public engagement in research, including their impact and outcomes. The speaker will share examples of how universities can support participatory research methods and strengthen these essential practices in academia

1:45-3:45 pm    Parallel Workshops: please note that the workshops are fully booked at present and that your name will be added to a waiting list (register your interest here)

Workshop 1: What is Public Engagement with Research in the Humanities?
Dr. Victoria McGuinness, Head of Public Engagement, Head of TORCH, University of Oxford
This workshop will delve into the feasibility of public engagement and participation across various disciplines in the Humanities. We will explore the motivations for researchers to engage in participatory projects with non-academic audiences and organisations, and identify the support needed to initiate and lead these initiatives. Participants will discuss the challenges faced in implementing participatory research approaches and public engagement, sharing methods and solutions to overcome obstacles. Join us to enrich your research through meaningful and equitable collaboration.

Workshop 2: Developing Compelling Impact Stories
Pavel Ovseiko, DPhil MSc PGDip, Senior Research Fellow in Health Policy and Management, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford
This interactive workshop will introduce you to the UK’s best practice in defining, capturing, communicating, and incentivising research with impact on society, culture, and the economy. We will look at the fundamentals of a narrative impact case study, examine a mixture of real-world case studies, and critically discuss comparative advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to measuring and rewarding impactful research. You will walk away with real insights into what it takes to develop a narrative impact case study; which types of indicators you can use to demonstrate your impact; and how to pull different strands of evidence into compelling impact stories.

4:00-5:30 pm  Reception and Networking (snacks and drinks provided)
With Dr. Victoria McGuinness (TORCH, University of Oxford), Pavel Ovseiko (John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford), OPEN HUMBOLDT Advisory Board, HU Office for Knowledge Exchange with Society, BUA TD-Lab

Registration: Please register for the event and select a workshop here (waiting list)
Contact: wissensaustausch.hzk@hu-berlin.de

Photo: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

BUA, News, Research

Research topic “Water”: Call for contributions across all disciplines

The Berlin University Alliance (BUA) cordially invites all members of the four partner universities in the design of a joint format as part of Objective 2 “Fostering Knowledge Exchange”. An inter- and transdisciplinary exhibition project with “Water” as its central topic is currently being developed in collaboration with the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Kulturtechnik (HZK) at HU and the Humboldt Labor team for 2025.

To enable the project to incorporate the ideas and expertise of all BUA partners, we would like to get an overview of the research being carried out at the four institutions dealing with the element of water in the narrower and broader sense – for example in terms of the properties of water, its functions e.g. as a catalyst or as a carrier substance, water infrastructures, or water with ecological, political, social, as well as historical, cultural, aesthetic or religious implications.

We look forward to receiving numerous and wide-ranging responses from you, regardless of the stage of your academic career.

We ask all researchers, doctoral candidates and students who feel that this topic isrelevant to them and who would like to contribute to it by sharing their research with a broader public to submit an initial expression of interest here by Feb. 15, 2024.

At this stage we are simply looking to gain an overview of available research and would later on approach you with a shortlist of questions (6 questions). You are of course free to decide at a later stage whether you would like to be more closely involved in this project or not. First of all, we would like to make sure to draw a broad and diverse picture as possible of the lively research at the BUA institutions. We would therefore be very pleased to have you participate in this quest. For further questions please contact Leonie Kubigsteltig or Xenia Muth, working in the field of knowledge exchange at HZK: wasser@berlin-university-alliance.de

Prof. Dr. Eva Ehninger,
on behalf of Objective 2 “Fostering Knowledge Exchange” (BUA)

Expression of interest project “Water”

Image: Interactive curtain in the entrance area of the Humboldt Laboratory © HU / schnellebuntebilder. Photo: Philipp Plum