What does collaborative research look like around the world?

The SPOTLIGHTS program brings global perspectives to PartWiss 26 – the largest conference in Germany on participation in science. It highlights people, institutions, and support structures making collaborative research possible. Together, we’ll explore how transdisciplinarity, participation, and public engagement are embedded in science systems worldwide.

SPOTLIGHTS - Let’s talk

We launch the SPOTLIGHTS program with the online series Let’s Talk, highlighting different ways collaborative research is supported around the world.

The series brings together inspiring examples that differ in their thematic focus, organizational setup, and approaches to collaborative research infrastructure. Each session offers insights into how collaborative research is enabled, organized, and embedded in different institutional and regional contexts.

Rather than aiming for a comprehensive overview, Let’s Talk invites participants to explore diverse perspectives, exchange experiences, and discover new ideas for supporting collaborative research.

Join the conversation and register for the talks

11/06/2026 - The Toolbox Dialogue Initiative - Michael O'Rourke // United Stated of America - Michigan // 4-5 pm CEST
Please register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/lNN5guLVRLmCDVyxdJjY6A

17/06/2026 - The Auckland Co-Design Lab - Penny Hagen & Eruini Hawke // New Zealand - Auckland // 8-9 am CEST
Please register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/UFvskBOxQqqfak4-oQuJ8Q

18/06/2026 - Responsive Research Collective - Ulli Vilsmaier // International/ Switzerland // 10-11 am CEST
Pleaser register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/MTB363l8QJmKh_c3zFKb0Q

24/06/2026 - Research Institute for Humanity and Nature - Yasuhisa Kondo // Japan - Kyoto // 10-11 am CEST
Please register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/GqyJSZYRTnGz54-tlj26ag

01/07/2026 - Public and Community Engagement with Research - Matthew Hickman // United Kingdom - Oxford // 10-11 am CEST
Please register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/yv2flU7cQiu-el4--FESzw

08/07/2026 - Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development - Taibat Lawanson // Nigeria - Lagos // 10-11 am CEST
Please register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/HaoP1zsXQRKF1kneaKp19g

09/07/2026 - WUP Goa Centre of Transdisciplinary Research and Education - Seema Purushothaman // India - Goa // 10-11 am CEST
Please register: https://tu-berlin.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/LK_btVhNQ-GbI3OLY5qx3w 

If you REALLY plan to attend all/most of the sessions, there’s no need to register for each event individually. Just send us a quick email at td-lab@berlin-university-alliance.de. We’ll add you to our mailing list and send you the link the day before the event.

SPOTLIGHTS - Let’s talk is organized by

An Exploratory Study on Support Structures for Collaborative Research

The second part of the SPOTLIGHTS Program consists of the SPOTLIGHTS Study: in an exploratory study we try to identify structures and strategies that support transdisciplinary and collaborative research worldwide – from training programs and dedicated support teams to funding initiatives or research hubs.

The SPOTLIGHTS Study will present 15 profiles of good practices showcasing diverse approaches to supporting participatory and transdisciplinary research. Together, they provide insights into institutional pathways and enabling conditions for embedding and sustaining participatory and transdisciplinary research within research organizations and science systems.

The study is being conducted on behalf of the Laboratory for Transdisciplinary Research (TD-Lab) of the Berlin University Alliance and is expected to be published in September 2026.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, we would be happy to hear from you.

Contact persons: Nadin Gaasch, Sorka Tzschabran

E-mail: td-lab@berlin-university-alliance.de