Knowledge transfer
Bringing together research, collections and society

Background

The framework for dealing with knowledge is undergoing fundamental change. The climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity call for science-based decisions. At the same time, trust in scientific institutions is declining in some sections of society. Digital spaces facilitate access to information, but also exacerbate the spread of disinformation.

Against this backdrop, knowledge transfer is taking on new significance. As a central component of the evolution of museums, we bring together research, collections and societal perspectives. We create transparency, enable participation and link scientific findings with societal experiences.

Implementation

As part of our museum’s evolution, we are transforming it into an open, vibrant place of learning. Through our‘Construction’ sub-project, we are creating new spaces where research comes to life and dialogue can flourish. At the same time, we are systematically cataloguing our collection and making it accessible as both a digital and physical resource.

Building on this, we are developing formats that bring together research, the collection and societal perspectives. We are making academic processes transparent, enabling participation and creating opportunities where knowledge is generated collaboratively. In this way, the transfer of knowledge strengthens the dialogue between academia, politics, art and society, and becomes a key driver for the further development of an open, networked research museum.

Areas of focus

Bringing research to life

A key focus of our work is making scientific processes transparent. We open up research to the public and provide insights into how it is conducted – from the initial research question through to the analysis of results.

Formats such as the digitize! exhibition demonstrate how scientific infrastructure works and the role collections play in research. Projects such as BROMACKER also combine scientific research and knowledge transfer from the outset, making it possible to experience research in real time.

This fosters an understanding of science as a process – open, transparent and socially relevant. 

Opening up the collection

Our collection is not only a research resource but also a starting point for social debate. Through knowledge transfer, it is viewed from new perspectives and reinterpreted in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Through participatory exhibitions and co-curation processes, we bring together scientific expertise, individual experiences and societal issues. Exhibition projects such as “ZUGvögel – A Collection in Motion” demonstrate how such processes can work: content is created not only within the museum, but through dialogue with many participants. 

Digital formats bridging everyday life and research

Digital offerings extend knowledge transfer beyond the museum space. They create interfaces between scientific research and everyday experiences.

The Naturblick app is an example of how people can contribute their own observations to research processes. Platforms such as “mit:forschen!” connect projects, highlight opportunities for participation and strengthen citizen science as an integral part of the research landscape.

This creates digital spaces where knowledge is jointly generated, shared and further developed. 

Participation as an integral part of research

We do not view participation as a supplement, but as a fundamental component of scientific practice. Citizen science, public engagement and open science are central elements of our work.

Through initiatives such as the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science, we support researchers in developing dialogue-oriented approaches and ensuring their work has a meaningful impact on society. At the same time, we investigate the conditions under which such initiatives function and the impact they have.