Research Ecosystems for Societal Impact: Science Transfer for Society (GAIN26)

This interactive workshop explores how modern universities translate scientific knowledge into societal benefit. Beyond technology transfer and start-up creation, science transfer now encompasses public engagement, policy influence, culture, and industry collaboration. Universities operate at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship, science communication, participatory research, and interdisciplinary art-science-technology work. Drawing on perspectives from leading German research institutions across two regions, the session examines how universities strengthen connections between scientific discovery, societal needs, and global innovation networks. Participants will discuss how institutions can better support scientists navigating diverse knowledge transfer pathways and how international research careers contribute to Germany’s innovation ecosystems.

  • Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, Rector, University of Duisburg-Essen
  • Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer, Rector, TU Dortmund University
  • Minister Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Senator Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Higher Education and Research, Health, and Long-Term Care Berlin
  • Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz, President, TU Berlin
  • Alexander Moritz, Liaison Manager & Advisor, Bay Area, TU Berlin
  • Priya S. Nayar, Executive Director, University Alliance Ruhr North America
  • Christina Pley, Management, Einstein Center Early Disease Interception
  • Dr. Gerrit Rössler, Science Communication and Internationalization, Berlin Senate Department for Science, Health and Long-Term Care
  • Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schembecker, Vice President, TU Dortmund University
  • Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Christoph M. Schmidt, President, Leibniz Association
  • Rouven Sperling, Project Manager Talent and International, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology
  • Dr. Yoan Villain, Vice-Provost for International and European Affairs
  • Prof. Dr. Günter Ziegler, President, FU Berlin
  • Markus Rackow, Deputy Managing Director, Einstein Foundation Berlin
  • Dr. Valerie Popp, Advisor Research Department, HU Berlin

Moderation:

  • Dr. Nina Lemmens, Executive Director, University Alliance Ruhr
  • Dr. Martin Mann, Management Director, Berlin University Alliance

Language: English