Catalyst GER Successfully Launched

On March 12, numerous researchers gathered at the College for Social Science and Humanities in Essen. A diverse program for the humanities, social sciences, and educational sciences ensured a fully booked kick-off event for the Catalyst GER program. The focus was on transferring scientific knowledge into society.

Right from the start, UDE Rector and UA Ruhr spokesperson Prof. Barbara Albert, along with Vice Rectors Prof. Achim von Keudell (RUB), Prof. Pedro José Marrón (UDE), and Prof. Gerhard Schembecker (TU Dortmund), emphasized that knowledge transfer is already practiced across many disciplines and in various forms. At the same time, there remains a need for long-term perspectives, greater visibility, and more intensive exchange with practice partners.

This is where Catalyst GER comes in: the program offers comprehensive support for those interested in transfer from the so-called SHAPE disciplines (Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts for People, the Economy and the Environment). The pilot initiative, inspired by a British model, aims to effectively unlock the transfer potential of research in the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, and the arts.

Prof. Lucia B. Amrhein and Dr. Corinna Schmidt demonstrated what successful transfer can look like in practice during a panel discussion, using real-world examples. The best practice reports made it clear that transfer goes far beyond start-ups and can also take the form of continuing education programs or consulting services. The wide range of existing transfer activities was also showcased in a poster exhibition, which attracted great interest.

The Catalyst GER approach enables participants to gradually explore and test potential impact and transfer opportunities. The three stage program ranges from short online workshops to intensive multi-week bootcamps and individual coaching. The three program stages build on each other, and after each stage, participants can decide whether to continue and apply for the next level.

STAGE 1 - DISCOVER
Having a concrete project idea is not required for Stage 1. Participants are supported in exploring application possibilities for their research, identifying relevant stakeholders, and developing initial impact approaches.

STAGE 2 - LAUNCH
In Stage 2, participants can further develop their project ideas in a targeted way. Over a period of six weeks, ideas for transfer offerings are refined in three workshops and tested together with external stakeholders. In addition, practical tools provide fundamental entrepreneurial skills—accompanied by continuous, well-founded feedback from a panel of experts.

STAGE 3 - VALIDATE
Stage 3 focuses on intensive validation processes. Through 1:1 coaching, concrete business models are developed, and initial pilot projects and sales activities are prepared.

The Catalyst GER program thus offers a low threshold yet unique opportunity to explore new pathways for transferring scientific knowledge and creating societal impact. The program is aimed at researchers of all experience and career levels from the SHAPE disciplines at the UA Ruhr universities (TU Dortmund, UDE, RUB). Further informationen can be found via the Catalyst GER-Website.