Transfer
Universities are free in their research and teaching. In addition to research and teaching, the application of knowledge gained and the incorporation of new impulses from society form the so-called third mission: transfer out of the university and into the university. Transfer activities enable the implementation of research findings, free access to scholarly information, and exchange between the university and society.
The University of Freiburg is committed to transfer as a core strategic task in accordance with the State Higher Education Act and in agreement with the recommendations of the European Union.
Understanding of Transfer
The University understands transfer as a multidirectional exchange between the University, society, industry, and politics that benefits all involved in equal measure. In order to meet the complex and different transfer needs of diverse stakeholders in the best possible way, transfer at the University of Freiburg encompasses the three areas technology, knowledge, and educational transfer.
The University of Freiburg thus follows the extended transfer concept of the Science Council, according to which transfer is the ‘dialogical communication and transfer of scientific findings to society, culture, industry, and politics’. In order to make an impact on society with research findings, the University enters into a dialogue with societal actors as well as with representatives from industry, culture, and politics. In this way, knowledge is not just made public but also exchanged and extended in a joint effort.
Transfer strategy
The University of Freiburg’s transfer strategy is currently being further developed and is based on the principles of multidirectional exchange with society, interdisciplinarity, and a practical orientation. This approach serves to ensure not only that research findings are implemented in practice but that societal impulses and needs are integrated into research and educational activities. Thus, the University of Freiburg fosters close cooperation between various disciplines and societal actors in order to ensure practical and socially relevant research and teaching.
Interfaces for Transfer
To optimally exploit the potential of university research, the University supports its members and stakeholders from research, society, and industry with the following service centres:
The Centre for Technology Transfer (ZFT) is the interface between the University and industry and acts in cooperation with partners from the regional innovation and startup ecosystem. It provides support on activities with industry involvement and/or IP relevance (IP = intellectual property). In addition, it promotes aspiring entrepreneurs from all faculties in developing and implementing their innovative ideas on the path to a successful business.
Knowledge transfer at the University of Freiburg plays a central role in the dissemination of research findings and innovations as well as for the incorporation of impulses from society.
Knowledge transfer is a multidirectional process: Integrating social challenges, needs, and innovations into scholarly work can enhance practical relevance. Research findings can be translated into applications through close collaboration between research institutions, industry, society, and politics. The University of Freiburg actively seeks a dialogue with social actors in this regard.
Knowledge transfer is the responsibility of the Business Unit Science Communications and Strategy.
Educational transfer is an integral part of studies and teaching. In transfer-oriented learning settings, the University and society come together to develop solutions to challenges on topics of strategic relevance for our future (such as sustainability, digitalization, or peacekeeping). The Department of Educational Transfer is managed by the University of Freiburg’s vice president of academic affairs and includes both continuing education and the Centre for Key Qualifications.
Sustainability Innovation Campus
The Sustainability Innovation Campus, a joint initiative of the University of Freiburg and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, focuses on promoting sustainability through transdisciplinary research and mutual knowledge transfer between researchers and society. In the context of the transfer strategy, the Sustainability Innovation Campus is a strategic project for creating synergies between knowledge, technology, and educational transfer in order to drive system innovation and develop approaches to overcoming social challenges.
