More than ever before, universities and higher education institutions face the challenge of how to improve the transfer of knowledge to society. How do new forms of learning, teaching and research emerge through engagement with society? And what opportunities does collaboration between academia, the arts and civil society actors open up? The aim of the workshop conference “Learning, Teaching and Researching with Society” is to explore these questions, share experiences from participatory research and teaching, forge new connections and discuss the role of social participation in higher education institutions. The workshop conference is organised by the Zentrum für Kulturtechnik at HU, supported by the “Ambassadors for Open Science” programme of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA). It will take place on Friday, 12 June 2024, from 11.30 am to 8 pm, at the Zentrum für Kulturtechnik at Humboldt-Universität, on the Campus Nord, Building 3, Philippstr. 13, 10155 Berlin.
Practical experience, discussion and reflection
The conference will focus on projects that successfully bridge the gap between academia and society: How is a linguistic mapping of Berlin’s linguistic diversity created? What can be learnt from a joint review of the archive collection of the Werkstatt der Kulturen? What happens when poetry slam poets become part of teacher training? The practical discussion “Learning and Teaching with Society” will be moderated by Prof. Dr Nils Pinkwart, Vice President for Academic Affairs at HU. This panel will focus in particular on how schools, civil society initiatives and cultural institutions can be successfully integrated into teacher training.
The body as a site of knowledge: launch of the new Public Engagement Hub
A special highlight of the programme is the launch event for the new Public Engagement Hub “Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement”: the Hub explores the role of the body as a site of knowledge in a post-digital knowledge culture and how body- and movement-based approaches can be applied to learning and research processes. Interactive presentations and a subsequent panel discussion will provide insights into scientific-artistic collaborations.
At a glance
- When: Friday, 12 June 2026, 11.30 am to 8.00 pm
- Where: Zentrum für Kulturtechnik, Lecture Theatre / Object Laboratory, HU Campus Nord, Building 3, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin
Registration
Free admission, registration is requested. You can register for the entire programme or for selected parts.
Programme
- 12.00 pm: Panel “Translating, Mediating, Unlearning. Reflexive Practices of Knowledge Production”
- 2.20 pm: Practical discussion: “Learning and Teaching with Society: Situated Practice & Place-Based Learning”
- 3.30 pm: Practical discourse: “Learning and Teaching with Society: Practitioners in Teaching and Teacher Training”
- 5.00 pm: Performative Encounters “Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement” (in English)
- 7.00 pm: Panel on the Public Engagement Hub “Embodied Futures: Knowledge and Movement” (in English)
Note regarding filming and photography
Photographs and video recordings will be taken during the event. The material will be used exclusively for public relations purposes at HU Berlin.
Open Humboldt: Exchange between academia and society
The workshop conference is part of the Open Humboldt strategy, through which HU Berlin strengthens the exchange between academia and society. Researchers, students and societal partners work together to develop questions, share knowledge and explore new forms of collaboration. The conference demonstrates how this is implemented in research, teaching and public engagement.
About the Knowledge Exchange with Society competence area
The ‘Knowledge Exchange with Society’ competence field at the Zentrum für Kulturtechnik is HU’s central point of contact for methods, issues and programmes relating to transdisciplinary and participatory research and practice. It supports researchers in implementing research and teaching projects in collaboration with social, cultural and political stakeholders. The aim is to combine scientific findings with social experiences and to contribute jointly to solutions for societal challenges.
