Catalyst GER

Catalyst GER – Shaping innovation and change

The humanities, social sciences and educational sciences make key contributions to our understanding of social developments, conflicts and transformation processes. Their perspectives, methods and findings are of great importance for solving the societal challenges we face – perhaps now more than ever. For these findings to have an impact beyond the academic sphere, they need to be implemented in practice in a targeted manner.

‘Catalyst GER’ was developed as a support programme for researchers to make this possible. It is based on the experiences of ‘SHAPE Catalyst’ in the UK and adapted for the German research context. This is why we are working with the SHAPE Impact Collective, whose experts have built up many years of experience and expertise, for example in their work with the University of Oxford.

‘Catalyst GER’ is an online workshop programme run by the UA Ruhr and five other universities, which is specifically tailored to the humanities, social sciences and education sciences in order to research enable transfer and with the long-term goal of financing it sustainably.

 

Catalyst GER supports you in

  • highlighting the societal relevance of your research,

  • identifying relevant stakeholders and fields of application,

  • engaging in dialogue with scientists facing similar questions and challenges,

  • and developing new ways of research transfer and impact.

 

What might transfer projects developed during ‘Catalyst GER’ look like?

  • Advanced training and consulting services or event series for professionals in fields such as politics, administration, education, or culture
  • Advisory board activities in political, social, or cultural committees, where expertise from research is incorporated into decision-making processes
  • Social entrepreneurship, for example, through the establishment of associations or (non-profit) companies to solve social challenges

What opportunities does Catalyst GER offer?

As part of the program, you will develop ideas on how your research can have an impact. By participating in Catalyst GER, you can

  • develop new perspectives on research transfer and impact,
  • receive qualified feedback on your ideas,
  • expand your scientific and non-scientific network.

Participation is free of charge. The program is made possible by the Vice Rectorate for Transfer, Innovation & Digitalisation.

Who can participate?

Researchers of all experience levels in the humanities, social and education sciences are welcome to participate.

  • Doctoral candidates
  • Postdocs
  • Junior professors
  • Professors
  • Scientific staff

The starting point is your research topics and findings. If you already have specific project ideas, these can also be the starting point.

Joint kick-off event for the University Alliance Ruhr

During the joint kick-off event with Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University, we will present the project, provide insights into the planned workshop formats, and create space for exchange, discussion, and initial ideas.

Scientists will present their projects as possible examples and discuss their experiences and challenges in a panel discussion. In addition, you can look forward to a workshop to explore possible transfer options for your research, inviting you to contribute your ideas and help shaping the future.

Date: March 12, 2026, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., College for Social Sciences and Humanities

Registration: Eventbrite

What you can expect from the program

Get to know the ‘Catalyst GER’ program and explore transfer options for your research topics.

The online workshop program guides you through several stages, helping you to refine and evaluate your project. After each stage, you decide whether you want to continue and apply for the next stage.

Discover: Discover possibilities

The two-hour ‘Discover’ workshop offers an introduction to various transfer or impact pathways. Using practical tools, you will explore the possibilities for your research topics.

The workshop will be offered three times during the program period.

Dates: March and April 2026

Launch: Develop project ideas

In a 6-week workshop series, you will work on key questions such as:

  • What social challenges does my research address?
  • Which target groups could benefit from my findings?
  • How can research content be translated into impact-oriented concepts?

You will learn methods for thinking strategically about your research and embedding it in social contexts. In addition, the ‘Launch’ phase includes two 1-hour individual appointments for 1:1 support and a 3-hour presentation round at the end.

Dates: May and June 2026

Validate: Evaluate your plan

If you would like to develop your idea further, you will receive support in the form of in-depth workshops and individual coaching sessions. These focus on implementation scenarios and guidance on developing long-term financing options.

The ‘Validate’ phase comprises four 2-hour workshops, 5 hours of 1:1 support per team, and an additional 15 hours of learning activities and team work phases, including validation interviews.

Dates: September to December 2026

Further information at a glance

 

Do I already need a specific project idea?

No. You can also participate with a general question or topic area.

​Is Catalyst GER exclusively focused on spin-offs?

No. Catalyst GER supports you in finding new ways to bring your research topics and results into society in a sustainable and effective manner. This can be done in many ways and does not necessarily involve starting a business.
The program supports you in examining various transfer pathways for your research results, such as continuing education or consulting services, social entrepreneurship, or appointment to political advisory bodies, and in evaluating their feasibility.

Who can participate?

Researchers of all experience levels from the humanities, social sciences, and education sciences.

Is there a participation fee?

No. Participation is free of charge for members of the University of Duisburg-Essen. The program is made possible by the Vice Rectorate for Transfer, Innovation & Digitalization.

Which universities are participating in the program?

Catalyst GER is a joint pilot initiative involving eight universities. In addition to the universities of the UA Ruhr, Christian Albrecht University in Kiel, Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, University of Stuttgart, and University of Cologne are also participating.

Background information on the Catalyst GER program

Catalyst GER

  • is run by GUIDE at the University of Duisburg-Essen

  • is based on a concept successfully implemented in the UK

  • was developed as a pilot programme for Germany together with the experts of the SHAPE Impact Collective

  • is offered at a total of eight universities during the pilot phase

 

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Kontakt

Contact
Do you have questions about Catalyst GER or would you like to receive individual advice?
We are happy to support you.

Please contact our programme officer:

Patrick Krenz
patrick.krenz@uni-due.de
Tel.: +49 (0)203 379 1945