In addition to the performance dimensions of research and teaching, the University of Münster has made the transfer of scientifically generated knowledge into society its third mission and one of its key academic tasks.
Knowledge transfer is one of the sub-areas of university transfer. It is largely characterised by its bidirectional orientation and involves:
Knowledge transfer not only promotes the communication of knowledge, but also the participation in knowledge, by which theme-based and target-group-specific programmes invite civil society at large to engage in scientific research. In addition to encouraging public participation in science, knowledge transfer strengthens academic integrity as an attitude, as it does society’s understanding of and trust in science.
To convey scientific knowledge and engage in direct dialogue with citizens, the Innovation Office (AFO) has developed a broad range of corresponding science communication and knowledge transfer projects. These comprise theme-based and target-group-specific, low-threshold programmes for adults (e.g. Münsterland Expedition, After-Work Expedition) and special programmes specifically designed for children and adolescents (e.g. Q.UNI, Ask Sophie). When developing and implementing these projects, the AFO works closely with researchers, institutes, transfer-related departments of the University of Münster, as well as various city and regional stakeholders.
The AFO itself also engages in science communication and knowledge transfer projects as an external partner and frequently contributes its own material and immaterial resources to these projects.
Its central transfer-related activities are based on the corresponding theme year set by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), which renews its official partnership with the AFO annually.
The Innovation Office (AFO) is also available to offer supportive and conceptually strategic tasks in the area of knowledge transfer. It serves as the central contact for the University of Münster and non-university partners with regard to knowledge transfer projects and collaborations at the University, and networks with third parties and other transfer offices and representatives within and outside the University of Münster.
The AFO’s projects provide researchers who are interested in science communication and knowledge transfer with access to various platforms and channels. In this way, the AFO facilitates the cross-disciplinary and comprehensive implementation and expansion of university-generated knowledge transfer. Furthermore, the AFO supports researchers with developing suitable science communication and knowledge-transfer projects and formats, selecting target groups and putting them in contact with potential partners.
The AFO also provides advice and assistance with funding applications in the areas of ‘science communication’ and ‘knowledge transfer’. It continuously monitors external funding opportunities in these areas, posts relevant funding programmes and calls for proposals on its website, and can provide researchers concrete advice when it comes to formulating and developing project-specific, target-group-appropriate science communication and transfer formats, as well as developing suitable evaluative options.