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Knowledge Exchange

Photo: UHH/Scholz

Knowledge Exchange

Knowledge Exchange Figures

For the first time, the University of Hamburg has collected quantitative data on knowledge exchange activities for the years 2023 and 2024. Researchers from the Faculty of Education also contributed extensive information on their diverse knowledge exchange efforts. This newly available data offers valuable insights, particularly in light of the faculty’s mission to shape scientifically grounded and high-quality education through dialogue (Knowledge Exchange Mission Statement).

 We are especially strong in collaborations

As a faculty, we are especially strong when it comes to collaborations. At the University of Hamburg, collaboration is understood as a joint undertaking with at least one non-academic partner, aimed at exchanging knowledge or technology or pursuing a shared goal. In such collaborations, partners jointly define the focus of the project and each contribute substantively to its implementation. A formal cooperation agreement is not required—an established and active relationship is equally considered a form of collaboration.

 

Collaboration with schools and educational institutions

Each year, we engage in more than 60 formal collaborations with schools and educational providers—including adult education centers and institutions focused on early childhood or extracurricular education. In addition, numerous other school partnerships are established through research and teaching projects. These primarily involve elementary schools, district schools, grammar schools, and vocational schools in Hamburg and its surrounding areas. Faculty researchers collaborate with these schools in nearly 40 research projects and more than 20 teaching-related initiatives annually.

Beyond this, partners in cooperative projects include schools in other federal states, extracurricular learning centers, continuing education institutions, associations and networks, educational and support centers, daycare facilities, youth education providers, welfare organizations, as well as adult education centers and providers. In total, over 160 schools and educational institutions are involved each year in events and activities organized by the faculty. Many of these events also take place outside the university, for example at schools or partner institutions.

Collaboration with civil society and cultural actors

We engage in 30 to 40 collaborations each year, particularly with associations, foundations, societies, non-profit organizations, NGOs, initiatives, and grassroots groups from across Germany that are active in the field of education:

  • Consulting: In 2023, faculty members provided 175 consultations to civil society actors; in 2024, this number increased to 240.
  • Teaching: Around 30 practice partners from this sector are involved in our teaching activities each year.
  • Events: We co-organize between 10 and 15 events annually with civil society and cultural partners. Additional collaborations take place with cultural institutions, especially in Hamburg, including public libraries, museums, and theaters.

Collaboration with public authorities and political institutions

Each year, we collaborate with over 50 partners from public authorities and political institutions. These include federal ministries, state and municipal bodies, cities and municipal associations, as well as institutions such as state centers for civic education and quality assurance agencies (in Hamburg, for example: the State Institute for Teacher Training and School Development), in addition to youth welfare and integration offices. These collaborations focus on consultation, as well as joint research and teaching initiatives. Key thematic areas include literacy, education for sustainable development, language and science education, inclusion, and democracy education. Faculty members also engage in policy advising, particularly at the national level, including federal, state, and municipal contexts.

Other knowledge exchange activities

We also demonstrate our commitment to knowledge exchange in the following areas:

  • Continuing education and professional development for non-academic audiences and practice partners: Each year, researchers from the faculty offer over 70 events on a wide range of topics. These formats contribute significantly to the university’s broader educational mission, particularly by supporting the ongoing professional development of teachers and educational professionals, grounded in the latest research. Several hundred participants benefit from these offerings annually.
  • Expert reports and statements (outside of academic research)
  • Membership in committees or boards of foundations and NGOs, as well as participation in external knowledge exchange networks
  • Externally funded knowledge exchange projects (11 projects in 2024)
  • Practical materials (25–30 products per year), as well as contributions to non-academic media and interviews
  • Production and participation in podcast episodes:
    Keeping pace with current trends, we produced or contributed to 13 podcast episodes in 2023; and nearly tripled that number in 2024, with 37 episodes.