On a mission - universities seek dialog with urban society

Universities in Hesse are Revolutionizing Engagement with City Life

Step into the city center and you'll discover an innovative shift happening as universities connect with urban society. The University of Kassel, for instance, is opening its doors to a new store along a popular shopping street, turning science into an urban excitement!

"Uni:Lokal" is moving research into the heart of the city, declares Chancellor Oliver Fromm, leaving no questions as to the university's intentions. This endeavor represents a strategic move to foster a closer impact on the city and the region.

It's important to acknowledge that beyond traditional roles in research and education, universities are now characterizing their mission with an increasing focus on engagement with stakeholders beyond the confines of the academic world.

Cort-Denis Hachmeister, an expert from the Center for Higher Education Development in Gütersloh, explains, "The third mission - or transfer - serves to legitimize universities. You demonstrate their value, showcasing their contributions and why their work is essential for society to finance them."

The University of Kassel's ambition for "Uni:Lokal" is twofold: it will serve as an open and inviting "living room for the city" and a research and sustainability laboratory. With themed years focused on challenging societal issues like environment and energy, the initiative hopes to rope in interested citizens and work together on sustainable development.

Meanwhile, other universities in Hesse are embracing this shift, too. Philipps-Universität Marburg and Justus Liebig University (JLU) Giessen are among the frontrunners with their own projects and initiatives designed to strengthen the bond between academic research and urban society.

Justus Liebig University Giessen offers a unique medical research presence in the region, thereby supporting local healthcare while building relations with urban society. The Oriflamme lectures series draws top-tier speakers on societal issues, and the university maintains an open-access Antiquity Collection in the city center.

Technische Universität (TU) Darmstadt is another shining example. Its central hub, the Science Castle, and diverse initiatives – from campus tours to art forums and botanical gardens – champion scientific knowledge and societal engagement.

This interwoven approach to academia isn't exclusive to Hesse, though. Universities across Germany are prioritizing collaborative research and community involvement in their missions toward innovation and progressive social impact.

Sources:

• Enrichment Data (Universities in Hesse Engage in Collaborative Research and Community Involvement)

Details on Enrichment Data merge below:

Collaborative Research Initiatives in Hesse

Universities in Hesse don't shy away from tackling complex interdisciplinary themes and fostering collaboration between research institutions, legislators, and community-oriented entities.

1. Organizing Architectures Research Training Group: A German Research Foundation (DFG) funded project, this research group engages with universities throughout southern and northern Hesse. The group invites researchers to collaborate and study architectural structures' impact on social processes and networks. The aim is to modernize and internationalize the scope of architectural research.
2. Food System Planning: Hesse's universities, notably the University of Kassel, participate in studies exploring sustainable food systems. For instance, a research project investigating food system planning aims to bring academia, legislators, and Food Planning Entities together, promoting collaborative efforts and responsible governance.
3. Community Engagement Activities: Institutions like Marine University and Justus Liebig University Giessen also engage in various community activities. These include participating in local events, public discussions, and undertaking projects that touch on societal challenges and city development.

Societal Benefits of University-Community Engagement

This collaborative spirit between universities and urban society has several notable advantages:

1. Innovative Solutions and Resource Optimization: Interdisciplinary research projects and community collaboration can result in fresh, solution-oriented approaches and efficient use of resources.
2. Community Reorientation and Internationalization: Universities, by engaging with their local communities, can contribute to community betterment and facilitate international partnerships, which is crucial to creating a more inclusive and diverse academic landscape.
3. Economic and Social Impact: Universities and their affiliated academic initiatives can contribute positively to the local economy by engaging with local industries, businesses, and tourism. Moreover, public discussions can boost awareness and civic participation in various topics, providing a ripple effect on the overall community.