Münsterland Expedition
The University of Münster is not only internationally oriented, but also strongly focused on networking, anchoring and engaging in dialogue with the surrounding region – the Münsterland region. It presents science and research to neighbouring region while offering resident the chance to gain insights into the world of science, researching in, at and with the region as part of the "Münsterland Expedition". To this end, the University cooperates with its institutes and partners on location, such as municipalities, associations, clubs, schools and committed citizens in Münsterland.
With its interest in regional exchange, the University of Münster launched the Münsterland Expedition in 2020, venturing in a new direction in the field of knowledge transfer – one of the first universities in Germany to do so. The goal: To increase public interest and curiosity in science, research findings and methods, and actively engage with the region in order to transfer new ideas and impulses from there to the University. Consequently, the programme is not limited to science communication but also involves citizens who are interested in their region and wish to carry out joint science-related events with content-related and organisational support.
Active and reciprocal communication is important for underscoring the significance of research in society and bolstering public trust in science. In this way, non-professionals are integrated in various participative formats as ‘citizen scientists’ in research processes at the University of Münster. On the other hand, students and researchers have the chance to experience the region as a multifaceted research location. The Münsterland Expedition is consequently closely tied to the AFO’s Citizen Science working area.
Over the past few years, The Münsterland Expedition has been staged at numerous research-related sites and public locations, including museums, town and city halls, science centres, pubs, “third places” and marketplaces. The Münsterland Expedition allows for a wide variety of participative formats, e.g. (digital) exhibitions, podium discussions, excursions, bike and bus tours, guided tours, workshops, lectures, conferences, hands-on experiences and World Cafés.
Since 2022 the Münsterland Expedition has become a regional trademark for several AFO science transfer projects which actively engage with and take place in the region. The focus on knowledge transfer has been further strengthened by the Science Year programmes organised by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) since 2023.
