Klima Hero Istock-1160521969 Mr Twister

Hereon Transformation Cases

Strengthening transformative science.

Logo_Hereon Transformation Cases.png


The “Hereon Transformation Cases” project aims to strengthen transformative science. With our toolbox for transdisciplinary research, we support science, society, politics and business in jointly developing innovative solutions for the future.



From critical design and stakeholder workshops to small real-world laboratories, Delphi surveys and funding opportunities - the “Hereon Transformation Cases” test these tools in real transformation projects at the Helmholtz Center Hereon and offer practical support and implementation aids.

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), we focus on holistic approaches to promote cooperation and actively shape a sustainable future together.

The goal: holistic change beyond the boundaries of science.


One challenge in the current transfer process is that larger, ground-breaking ideas and long-term system solutions in particular have an implementation disadvantage compared to smaller and clearly market-oriented innovations. In most cases, these groundbreaking and disruptive ideas cannot be further developed, validated in a system context and then implemented, as the appropriate transfer instruments are not currently available.

Through the application of transformative science, non-university research institutions such as Hereon can play a much greater role in the much-needed transformation for a better future than traditional transfer can.

The “Hereon Transformation Cases” project of the Helmholtz Center Hereon has set itself this task.

What is transformative science?

What is transformative science?

Energy transition, climate change, social inequality and even technological upheaval - the challenges of our time call for new ways of solving problems and producing knowledge.

This is precisely where transformative science comes in: it aims not only to generate knowledge, but also to actively contribute to social and ecological change. It combines research with practical approaches and promotes dialog between science, politics, business and society in order to develop sustainable innovations.

Emergence of transformative science

Emergence of transformative science

Transformative science arose from the realization that conventional scientific methods are often inadequate to tackle the complex and dynamic problems of our time.

The idea was coined in German-speaking countries in particular by Uwe Schneidewind and the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy. In his book “Transformative Science - Climate Change in the German Science and Higher Education System”, Schneidewind emphasizes that

“Transformative science aims not only to understand societal challenges through transdisciplinary research, but also to actively shape solutions .”

This definition underlines the importance of research that is not limited to the mere acquisition of knowledge, but also offers practical solutions. mehr

Characteristics of transformative science
Advantages of transformative science
The transformation cycle

The transformation cycle

Transformationszyklus Infografik

Transformation cycle (adapted from Schneidewind et al., 2011, based on the original transition cycle by Loorbach 2007)

A central concept in transformative science is the equal involvement of academic and non-academic stakeholders as joint researchers (co-design, co-research, co-creation) and the transformation cycle, which organizes the joint research and transformation process into four different ideal-typical phases that are run through repeatedly (iterative approach). This model helps to systematically design and continuously optimize transformations.

1. Analyze the problem

A specific problem or need for change is recognized by all stakeholders, described and defined on an ongoing basis (problem-building). The joint problem definition integrates the different perspectives and is part of the negotiation of what is relevant for the different stakeholders.
Knowledge of the socio-technical system plays an important role here (system knowledge).

2. Develop a vision

The next step is to develop visions of desirable futures. Researching and describing the current situation defines the starting point; by developing futures, the different values and ideas of where we want to go become visible and can be discussed. Who wants to realize which goals (target knowledge)? Which ones can be realized together, which ones have to be negotiated?

3. Experiment

Based on the results of the evaluation, strategies are adapted and, if necessary, the cycle is repeated in order to facilitate continuous improvement. in the best case, the vision development process gives rise to concrete questions and possible measures that can be implemented and tested quickly. This can be done through pilot projects or small-scale real-life experiments. The effectiveness of the measures is reviewed to determine whether the desired goals have been achieved, which surprising phenomena occur and which time dependencies and learning effects of the system are necessary (transformation knowledge).

4. Implement and learn

In this step, previous activities are reflected upon and important findings are distilled. By reflecting together on what learning effects are relevant for whom, the stakeholders can get to know each other better in terms of their rationale for action and work better together. The findings and action guidelines that can be derived are recorded in various formats and shared with interested communities as beta versions at an early stage in order to be able to continuously integrate external feedback and generalize findings from the project. In this way, transformation knowledge is documented and distributed.

Examples from practice

Examples from practice

Transformative science is implemented in various formats and projects. Real-world laboratories, in which scientists and practice partners work together, are a popular example. Here, experiments and solutions are developed and tested in a controlled but realistic environment before they are applied on a larger scale.and can thus also make the dependencies between different levels of impact (social and technical level) visible and take into account the different perspectives of the individual actors on the problem and its solution.

1. real-world laboratory “Quartier Zukunft” in Karlsruhe

The “Quartier Zukunft” is a real-world laboratory initiated by the city of Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The aim is to develop and test sustainable ways of living and working in an urban context. Residents, scientists and urban stakeholders work together on solutions for sustainable neighborhood development.

Hier der Link zum Quartier der Zukunft

2. “Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy”

The Wuppertal Institute runs various transdisciplinary projects, such as the research project “Integrated Environmental Technology Systems” (IW³). The aim here is to develop innovative technologies for a resource-conserving and climate-friendly economy and to test them in practice.

Hier der Link zum Wuppertal institut

3. Hereon Transformation Cases

From workshops and coffee talks to - we are testing some tools in real projects for transformative work at the Helmholtz Center Hereon.

Contact - Project team

Dr. Katrin Frings
Dr. Katrin Frings

Project management

Innovation and Transfer Unit

Phone: +49 4152 87 1849

E-mail contact

Martin Kohler
Martin Kohler

Consulting

Innovation and Transfer Unit

Phone: +49 4152 87 2447

E-mail contact

Franziska Wulff
Franziska Wulff

Communications expert

Innovation and Transfer Unit

Phone: +49 4152 87 1027

E-mail contact

Friedrich von Rantzau
Friedrich von Rantzau

Project Supervisor

Innovation and Transfer Unit

Phone: +49 4152 87 1663

E-mail contact