Stakeholder Engagement: How Can I Integrate Transdisciplinary Approaches into My Work?

Workshop at the FORTRAMA Annual Conference 2026

Collaboration with external stakeholders from industry, politics, and civil society can enhance the societal relevance of research and knowledge transfer. Integrating non-scientific perspectives creates opportunities to find practical solutions to complex societal challenges and implement them collaboratively. But how can transdisciplinary work be integrated into the research landscape? And how to achieve effective stakeholder engagement?

In a workshop at the FORTRAMA e.V. Annual Conference on March 19, 2026, held at the University of Kassel, organized by Dr. Ulrike Sylla (Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences) and Dr. Katharina Sielemann (Helmholtz Forum Earth and Environment), these questions were addressed together with the participants: Following a brief introduction, participants worked in small groups to explore how stakeholders can be meaningfully integrated into research and knowledge transfer projects. Using a practical example, they defined objectives, discussed the roles of relevant stakeholders and suitable formats, and identified necessary resources. In a second part, potential challenges to stakeholder engagement and possible solutions were discussed. The session concluded with a brief exchange of experiences regarding best and worst practices in stakeholder engagement, based on the results developed.

Key aspects highlighted in the workshop are:

• Stakeholder engagement is important for research that is aligned with societal needs and for successful knowledge transfer.
• Stakeholders can be involved in the research process at different project phases, but always on equal footing and for mutual benefit.
• Formats for stakeholder engagement should be tailored to specific target groups.
• Long-term relationships with external stakeholders are important and must be maintained.

In their feedback on the event, participants expressed a preference for a shorter introduction about the basics. However, the following aspects were highlighted positively: i) the interactive structure of the workshop, ii) the group work on the canvas using a practical example, iii) the insights into many areas of stakeholder engagement, and iv) the diverse perspectives.