Transfer

Societies around the world are currently undergoing profound upheavals – from sustainability and economic crises to massive technological leaps and the destabilisation of democratic forms of society. Science plays a central role in addressing these challenges, particularly by generating evidence-based knowledge and thereby laying the groundwork for informed decisions in politics, business and civil society.

The exchange between science and society is referred to as knowledge transfer and is an essential, integral part of the University of Freiburg’s work. We make the results of our research and work accessible to society – and always incorporate societal insights into our scientific work. All of this is done with the aim of strengthening knowledge-based decision-making and contributing to the resolution of the major challenges of our time.

We see ourselves as a driving force within a transfer ecosystem, in which a diverse range of stakeholders from academia, civil society, business and politics engage in multidirectional exchange and collaborate to drive innovation and transformation. Our actions are guided by our transfer strategy and our transfer culture, as well as, amongst other things, the position paper on knowledge and technology transfer published by the German Science and Humanities Council.

Technology transfer

Knowledge transfer

Educational transfer

To ensure that exchanges within the transfer ecosystem are as effective as possible, the University of Freiburg’s transfer work is divided into three areas, each with its own specific expertise and services: technology transfer, knowledge transfer and educational transfer. These divisions provide targeted support for internal and external stakeholders and groups, and facilitate knowledge transfer processes, ranging from the application of scientific findings to innovative educational formats and participatory dialogue structures. To ensure that knowledge transfer projects are addressed as comprehensively as possible, synergies between the divisions are always exploited; this, in particular, gives rise to innovative solutions that benefit as many sectors of society as possible.

Our transfer ecosystem

We see ourselves as part of a transfer ecosystem: a dynamic network of diverse social actors who work together to find solutions to the major challenges of our time. By bringing together the complementary strengths and expertise of our partners in a targeted manner, and by constructively addressing conflicting objectives, we generate innovations and further social value that far exceed the capabilities of individual actors. The transfer ecosystem in which we operate includes the following actors, amongst others:

Our transfer strategy

Through our transfer strategy, we are systematically pursuing five overarching objectives, all of which are continuously supported by specific measures.

Our commitment to knowledge transfer and our culture of knowledge transfer form the cornerstone of the University of Freiburg’s knowledge transfer strategy.

Our commitment to transfer

Together with partners from business, industry, politics and society, the University of Freiburg is shaping a future worth living in and helping to drive the change needed to achieve it. Through interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral exchange, bold collaborations and creative knowledge transfer formats, the University is generating new momentum that connects knowledge, ideas and people across sectors. In this way, the University of Freiburg contributes to a science-based approach in a complex world.

The University plays an effective role in the targeted development of this ecosystem. It strengthens the processes through which collaboration emerges and fosters a culture of open, systematic exchange. In doing so, it relies on openness, a willingness to engage in dialogue and the courage to shape the future, in order to address conflicting objectives constructively and develop solutions that combine social, scientific and economic perspectives and achieve new forms of value creation.

Our knowledge transfer culture

Knowledge transfer is an integral part of our University’s identity. Our transfer culture is guided by the values of collaboration, openness and responsibility (see UFR Mission Statement). We aim to further strengthen these values through guiding principles in order to fulfil our commitment to sustainably promoting and continuously developing transfer and the transfer ecosystem. For transfer to be effective, it is essential that members of the university support the following guiding principles:

Knowledge transfer is understood as a fundamental principle that shapes the day-to-day work of the University and is an integral part of our remit. Our understanding of and commitment to knowledge transfer guides our collaboration with stakeholders outside the University.

At the University of Freiburg, knowledge transfer is understood as a dynamic process that involves stakeholders from all sectors of society – from academia through business, industry and politics to civil society. Through its contributions, the UFR strengthens a dynamic transfer ecosystem in which knowledge, ideas and innovations are jointly developed, tested for transformative potential, further refined and effectively put into practice.

Successful transfer requires transparency, traceability, evaluable standards and continuous development. At the UFR, knowledge transfer is to be professionally organised, systematically managed and ensured through quality management. In particular, transparent processes and evaluable objectives ensure that technology, knowledge and educational transfer succeed effectively, efficiently and sustainably. In this way, the University of Freiburg sets standards and establishes knowledge transfer as a key quality feature.

The knowledge generated through transfer activities is, as far as possible, made available to all interested parties as open access. The University of Freiburg is committed to sharing scientific findings transparently and promoting dialogue about them in order to achieve progress together with stakeholders from academia and industry. This open approach enables collaborative learning, transdisciplinary cooperation and greater effectiveness and acceptance of solutions to societal challenges.

Knowledge transfer objectives

All five of the University of Freiburg’s overarching knowledge transfer objectives are designed to strengthen the interconnection between the content of its research and academic profile and the knowledge transfer ecosystem. External stimuli are incorporated into research, where they are explored in greater depth and further developed. Conversely, we leverage our transfer culture, research strength and interdisciplinary research profile to identify relevant topics at an early stage and feed stimuli into the ecosystem for further development.

This dynamic interaction rests on three pillars: the identification of university members with the transfer culture, enabling through effective structures and empowering individual transfer activities, as well as the maintenance, expansion and co-creation of relevant networks.

The UFR strengthens and supports forms of collaborative value creation within the knowledge transfer ecosystem.

The University of Freiburg strengthens the knowledge transfer ecosystem through the targeted expansion of collaborations with municipal, regional, national and international partners. This includes strategic alliances, close cooperation with non-university research institutions, and international networks and partnerships. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects create a space for joint action on societal challenges that is open, collaborative and impact-oriented.

Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research or teaching projects that offer practical solutions to societal challenges are supported by knowledge transfer structures in research and teaching.

Visible transfer activities (such as relevant spin-offs, high-profile formats for knowledge transfer, and practice-oriented interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research or teaching projects) contribute to raising the University’s profile.

The University of Freiburg is enhancing the societal impact of its research through strategic communication and a variety of collaborative formats. New calls for proposals, professional development programmes and impact monitoring create the conditions in which excellent research becomes visible, effective and relevant to society. In this way, knowledge transfer becomes an integral part of academic excellence.

Members of the University of Freiburg identify with the University’s knowledge transfer culture

The University of Freiburg promotes a vibrant culture of knowledge transfer that thrives on visibility, recognition and participation. Through targeted communication, onboarding, further training and new incentive schemes, knowledge transfer is strengthened as a collective endeavour – visible both internally and externally. A focus on knowledge transfer thus becomes a natural part of career paths, appointments and day-to-day academic work.

Transparent structures make it possible to support and implement knowledge transfer processes efficiently.

For knowledge transfer to be effective, comprehensible structures and a systematic link between previously fragmented activities are required. This makes knowledge transfer not only visible and accessible to external partners, but also strategically tangible internally. Transparent processes build trust, facilitate collaboration and help to make targeted use of shared potential. To this end, the University is expanding its continuing education programmes to empower knowledge transfer activities, strengthening central coordination structures and improving internal processes.

The University fosters openness and collegial exchange in its collaboration with partners from business, industry, politics and society

To promote openness and collaboration with these partners, the University is specifically strengthening existing networks, deepening strategic dialogue and developing new formats for exchange. These measures are necessary to build trust, establish forms of collaboration on an equal footing, incorporate different perspectives and identify common interests. This creates a robust framework for sustainable knowledge transfer and collaborative development.

Technology transfer

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) acts as the interface between the University and the business community, working in cooperation with partners within the regional innovation and start-up ecosystem. It provides support for projects involving industry participation and/or intellectual property (IP). Furthermore, it supports those interested in starting a business from all faculties in developing and implementing their innovative ideas on the path to a successful enterprise.

Technology transfer

Knowledge transfer

Knowledge transfer at the University of Freiburg plays a central role in disseminating scientific findings and innovations, as well as in incorporating input from society.

Knowledge transfer is a multidirectional process: When societal challenges, needs and innovations are incorporated into scientific work, this can increase its practical relevance. Through close collaboration between research institutions, industry, society and politics, scientific findings can be translated into practical applications. The University of Freiburg actively seeks dialogue with societal stakeholders.

Knowledge transfer falls under the remit of the Division of Strategy and Communication.Wissenstransfer ist ein multidirektionaler Prozess: Wenn gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen, Bedürfnisse und Innovationen in die wissenschaftliche Arbeit einfließen, kann das die Relevanz für die Praxis erhöhen. Durch eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Forschungseinrichtungen, der Industrie, der Gesellschaft und der Politik können wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse in Anwendungen überführt werden. Die Universität Freiburg sucht dabei aktiv den Dialog mit gesellschaftlichen Akteuren.
Der Wissenstransfer ist dem Geschäftsbereich Wissenschaftskommunikation und Strategie zugeordnet.

Knowledge transfer

Educational transfer

Educational transfer is an integral part of study and teaching. In transfer-oriented learning settings, the University and society work together to develop solutions to challenges in strategically relevant future-oriented topics (such as sustainability, digitalisation and peacekeeping). The Department of Educational Transfer falls under the remit of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at the University of Freiburg and encompasses both continuing education and the Centre for Key Qualifications.

Educational transfer

University continuing education

Center for Key Qualifications

ICN
KTUR2
Schwarzwelder Gründergeist

Startup | Women
Startup | Energie

Biocampus
Salon für Wissenschaftsreflexion