Workshop: Research Ecosystems for Societal Impact: Science Transfer for Society

Joint Workshop of Berlin University Alliance and Universitätsallianz Ruhr

Time and Place

• Saturday, 22nd August 2026, 2 until 3.15 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time)
• Marriott Marquis, 780 Mission Street, 94103 San Francisco, room "Foothill G"

Hosts

• Dr. Martin Mann, Managing Director Berlin University Alliance
• Dr. Nina Lemmens, Managing Director University Alliance Ruhr

This interactive workshop explores how modern universities translate scientific knowledge into societal benefit. Beyond technology transfer and start-up creation, science transfer now encompasses public engagement, policy influence, culture, and industry collaboration. Universities operate at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship, science communication, participatory research, and interdisciplinary art-science-technology work. Drawing on perspectives from leading German research institutions across two regions, the session examines how universities strengthen connections between scientific discovery, societal needs, and global innovation networks. Participants will discuss how institutions can better support scientists navigating diverse knowledge transfer pathways and how international research careers contribute to Germany’s innovation ecosystems.

Particpants from Berlin University Alliance

• Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Günter M. Ziegler, Member of the Board of Directors of Berlin University Alliance and President of Freie Universität Berlin
• Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz, Member of the Board of Directors of Berlin University Alliance and Presidentin of Technische Universität Berlin
• Alexander Moriz, Liaison Manager & Advisor, Bay Area, Technische Universität Berlin 

• Dr. Yoan Vilain, Vice-Provost for International and European Affairs, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

• Dr. Valerie Popp, Advisor Research Department, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Participants from Land Berlin

• Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Higher Education and Research, Health, and Long-Term Care of the State of Berlin
• Dr. Gerrit Rößler, Science Communication and Internationalization, Senate Department for Higher Education and Research, Health, and Long-Term Care of the State of Berlin

Further information

• on the Workshop "Research Ecosystems for Societal Impact"

Booth of Berlin University Alliance at GAIN26

• location: Nummer 37/38) in der Networking Area (Bereich Golden Gate A)

At the booth, representatives of the Excellence Alliance will provide information about research and funding opportunities, as well as the benefits of the Berlin Knowledge and Innovation Area.