How does transformative research make an impact on the ground? How can scientific findings specifically help drive sustainable change in cities and neighborhoods?
Participants will explore these questions during a joint day-long field trip to Wuppertal on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The field trip is intended for students in the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society and builds on the Wuppertal Research Seminar, which was awarded the UW/H ESD Teaching Prize. The prize money will now be used to facilitate further insights into the practice of transformative research. Accompanied by Dr. Matthias Wanner, a long-time researcher at the Wuppertal Institute and an expert on real-world laboratories and transformative research, the day’s itinerary includes visits to three exciting transdisciplinary projects and real-world laboratories in Wuppertal:
1. SInBa (Ölberg)
Social innovations in construction, housing, and urban development—with a focus on citizen-organized, sustainable heat generation.
https://sinba-projekt.de/
2. MiQ (Mirker Quartier)
Mobility stations in the neighborhood, including a tour of the Wiesenstraße station.
https://nord-stadt.de/mobilstationen/
3. Utopiastadt
Co-productive urbanism, real-world experimental urban development, and culturally creative appropriation of space.
https://utopiastadt.eu/
The guided tour of the projects offers interested participants the opportunity to gain first-hand insights into real-world laboratories and transformative research and to engage in conversation with the practicing partners.
Spaces are limited: A total of 13 spots are still available. To participate, please register by November 4, 2026, by emailing trace@uni-wh.de. Spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Organizational notes:
Participants are asked to bring weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. Breaks and meal options are planned.
Detailed information about the meeting point and group travel from Witten will be announced in a timely manner before the event.