From the climate crisis to digitalization and social polarization—the challenges of our time are complex. Research is increasingly expected not only to generate new knowledge but also to contribute to addressing these societal transformations. A new exploratory study by the “Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V.” shows what structural conditions need to be established to bring science and society into closer collaboration throughout the research process. It highlights what is already working well in Germany and where there is potential for a research culture that is both socially impactful and democratically grounded.

Through five case studies at science institutions—including the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (UK), the Technical University of Munich, the University of Tübingen, Fraunhofer MEVIS, and the Bonn Science Shop—the study presents successful models for structurally embedding participation and collaboration.