Communities of Practice

The Task Force for establishing a "Citizen Science Nord" network is led by the Team Co-Creation & Engagement. Since 2024, citizen science stakeholders that are active in Northern Germany have been coming together to collaborate and network. The primary objective is to consolidate the diverse activities and expertise related to Citizen Science in the region, bringing together project planners, implementers, and funders from research institutions, NGOs, associations, authorities, and foundations. The vision is to cultivate a collaborative environment that promotes mutual learning, fosters synergies—such as joint funding applications or policy initiatives—and leverages shared resources. By adopting a flexible organizational structure, the network aims to address the varying needs and aspirations at the nexus of science and society, encouraging ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and collective support.

Minutes of the First Exploratory Meeting on 30.04.2025 (Protokoll des 1. Sondierungstreffens - in German) (PDF)

Since 2021, the University of Hamburgs Knowledge Exchange Fund has annually supported 12 -15 projects with seed funding of up to €30,000 each. This funding is complemented by a comprehensive support program designed by the Team Co-Creation & Engagement. The program features two internal workshops—one at the start (Kick-Off) to network and set strategic directions and one midterm (Bergfest) for reflection and exchange. Additionally, a public closing event is organized as part of a larger regional gathering to showcase and discuss the project outcomes. Individual and small group counselling are made available as required, ensuring tailored support throughout the projects’ lifecycle.

The Team Co-Creation & Engagement is an active member of the #UHHengagiert network. Within this setting, we participate, for example, in organizing campus-meets-community events, provide resources, or contribute with expert input.

• The German Association for Applied Geography (DVAG) serves as a platform for networking, information exchange, and further development in applied geography in Germany.
• The Society for Transdisciplinary and Participatory Research (GTPF) is the scholarly association for researchers and educators engaged in transdisciplinary and participatory approaches, as well as practice partners, within the German-speaking region.
• The Network "Living Labs for Sustainability" has been the contact point since 2019 for those interested in living labs and the sustainable development of society. It brings together actors—primarily within the German-speaking area—and promotes synergies through collaboration.
• stsing e.V. is an association (“Verein”) doing Science and Technology Studies (STS) in and through Germany, established in 2020. STS is an interdisciplinary field of research and activity interested in how science and technology are practically done and socially embedded.

• The Associação Portuguesa de Geógrafos (APG) aims to promote geography as a scientific discipline and its application across various societal and academic contexts in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries.
• EASST (European Association for the Study of Science and Technology) is the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology. Established in 1981 it is the organization which represents academics and researchers in the fields of science and technology studies, the social analysis of innovation and related areas of knowledge.
• The informal network 'International Knowledge Exchange for Societal Impact Centers' serves as a forum for mutual inspiration, discussion of practice-oriented theories and models, and exchange of research results and best practices among university-based knowledge brokers and societal impact centers.
• The Federação Nacional de Mediação de Conflito (FNMC) in Portugal seeks to promote and disseminate mediation as an effective tool for conflict resolution.
• The International Mediation Institute (IMI) is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to promoting transparency and standards in mediation worldwide. Its community’s mission is to connect professionals, facilitate collegial exchange, and contribute to the global professionalization of mediation.
• The MARE – Marine & Environmental Sciences Centre is a research, technological development, and innovation center based in Portugal that addresses societal challenges through an integrative and holistic approach, in close partnership with national and international institutions.
• The OSCE-Mediation and Dialogue Expert Roster connects qualified mediators worldwide who are available to intervene in conflict situations. The roster proactively supports the exchange of experiences and best practices from diverse regions and contexts.