Collaborating with Society

Shaping research together and creating knowledge together – that is the aim of our new research programme.

Caring - Valuing - Transitioning

Alternative economic models emerge in response to social crises. This Lead Project examines how mission-driven organizations, such as cooperatives, create value and how they can contribute to transitions.

Urban Heat Transition

The housing crisis and the climate crisis are interconnected, as are their potential solutions. That is why this Lead Project brings together previously separate fields of research and fosters dialogue among practitioners.

Geschichte von unten

“Boden” (German for land, soil) has long been neglected as a category in historical research. The flagship project explores the relationship between land and space. It is collaboratively developing a glossary on the meaning and usage of the term.

News

01. April 2026 | Selected publication
The contribution of collaborative workspaces in rural areas
New open-access anthology published

Coworking spaces have arrived in rural areas. However, this phenomenon of new workspaces, originally emerged in major cities, has not simply spread geographically, but has evolved in many ways. A recently published anthology explores this development. more info

10. March 2026 | News
"Collaborating with Society"
IRS Launches New Research Programme

With its new research programme, the IRS is systematically opening itself up to collaborative research with stakeholders outside the academic world. Transdisciplinary and participatory research are intended to help solve complex societal problems and strengthen trust in science. more info

15. December 2025 | News
Shaping Europe's Digital Future: IRS at the AI Policy Summit in Amsterdam

Andreas Kuebart, researcher in the Research Area "Economy and Civil Society," represented the IRS at the EU's AI Policy Summit and spoke about critical capital structures for European tech companies. Because one thing is clear: Europe is strong in research, but it shows weaknesses when it comes to growth capital. more info

04. December 2025 | Feature
“Villa neighbourhoods are largely overlooked, especially when it comes to their social significance and long-term development.”
Interview with Eva Maria Gajek

Many people are familiar with the concept of “good addresses”. But how did they become what they are today? The research project “RichMap – Where the Rich Live” examines German villa districts throughout the 20th century. Eva Maria Gajek, historian in the IRS Research Area “Contemporary History and Archives”, is one of two project leaders. more info

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