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We Build Capacities and Competencies:

The Public Engagement
Training Portfolio

The Training Portfolio is a flexible online workshop programme for researchers who want to develop meaningful exchange with actors outside their academic field. 

Participants will explore the building blocks of high quality engagement, and learn about strategic approaches for planning and delivering engagement activities as part of their research. Our interactive sessions offer the opportunity to acquire practical skills around dialogue, evaluation and interaction.

Through the portfolio, researchers craft their unique journey toward engagement, participation, and impact in a supportive  environment.

Bring the Training to your Institution

Our Modules

interactive online training
9 month programme
interdisciplinary groups

Module 1

The Building Blocks
of Public Engagement

In this module, we explore the diverse landscape of public engagement and learn about the building blocks for high-quality engagement activities. The foundational workshop introduces the principles of engagement, showcases possibilities in different research contexts and offers a practical framework that helps define why we engage and with whom.
Optional sessions
  • Project builder: develop your own engagement plan
  • Masterclass: Equality, Diversity, Inclusion in Engagement
  • Case studies on working with different target groups

Module 2

Evaluation
Practice

Our second module looks at the tools and processes that help us define success, demonstrate the value of our work and optimise future projects. As a foundation, we take a look at the elements of the evaluation cycle, and consider why, when and how to evaluate in a purposeful way.
Optional sessions
  • Practical methods exchange
  • Impact evaluation

Module 3

Creative Skills
and Formats

In our final module, we focus on more specific skills and formats, and all the exciting ways that we can use to connect with different target audiences. Our starting point in the foundational session are interactions: how can different design approaches help us create interactions that are centred around people’s needs?
Optional sessions
  • Storytelling for researchers
  • From objects to games: case studies and practical formats
  • Masterclass: Social media for researchers
Get in touch to be part of the next cohort

Learn more about the Training

The Portfolio is open to researchers from all disciplines, career stages, and levels of experience in engagement, that want to sustainably integrate engagement into their research and maximise their potential for societal impact. Participants can only access the programme through their institution or project, as the Portfolio is delivered exclusively in partnership with our network of German academic partners (see below for our partnership criteria).

If you would like your institute to be part of the programme, then you can download our Information Pack to share the Portfolio in your workplace.

The Portfolio bridges theory and practice in Public Engagement, condensing cutting-edge research insights and expertise from our constellation of foundational research projects. It also brings together a practitioner community from research institutions from across Germany, to offer unique peer-learning opportunities.

Public Engagement training and practice enhances researcher professional development with transferable skills that are relevant and applicable to academic careers, as well as giving researchers the skills and tools to optimise their research for societal impact.

Participants who attend all foundational sessions plus at least two options can earn a certificate, by submitting a short reflection on their practical implementation of the training.

The Portfolio comprises three thematic modules: Practical Building Blocks, Evaluation, and Creative Formats. Each module includes a foundational workshop along with optional deep-dive units and masterclasses, offered in both German and English.
Annually from October to June. It is normally not possible to join within a cycle.

All training sessions are conducted online via Zoom, led by the Berlin School’s experienced training team, and topic experts in selected sessions.

On average, we have one 2-3h workshop per month throughout the programme. The sessions do not require any preparation. However, we do offer supporting material (such as engagement plans) that can be completed at an individual pace.

“Attending the Berlin School of Public Engagement was a pivotal moment in my professional development. The training provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the core principles of public engagement and practical methods for enhancing its effectiveness. This experience has profoundly transformed my approach, allowing me to engage with the public in a more informed and impactful manner.”

Participant in Portfolio 2023/24, Constructor University Bremen & University of Gondar (Ethopia)

“I really enjoy the new view on interaction and engagement that this program has given me and will go on experimenting and improving. It also hardened my resolve to have communication and engagement at least as a part of my future career path. I want to thank the whole team for the journey. Keep up the great work!”

Participant in Portfolio 2023/24, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin

“The training has also had a broader influence on my personal development, research, and career. I feel more in control of my public engagement activities and have a clearer understanding of where to find opportunities that align with my interests within the burgeoning scope of the public engagement landscape.”

Participant in Portfolio 2023/24, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie FMP im Charité CrossOver (Berlin)

“Beyond the immediate context of public engagement, the workshop has had a profound influence on my personal and professional development. It has enhanced my communication skills, making me more adept at conveying complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner. Additionally, it has instilled a greater sense of responsibility towards ensuring that my research has a tangible positive impact on society.”

Participant in Portfolio 2023/24, Constructor University Bremen

“I think the two-person moderation of the workshops, the warm-up exercises and the link between active participation and theory were a great combination. The three modules were a real enrichment – thank you very much!” 

(Participant in Portfolio 2023/24, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin)

“The training expanded my theoretical and practical knowledge on engagement in a stimulating and interactive way. It left me feeling inspired and motivated, and wanting to learn more. Highly recommended.” 

(Participant in Summer Portfolio 2022/23, Constructor University Bremen)

Bring our PE Training to your Institution

We understand training as one element towards a sustainable engagement culture within academia. We therefore offer our Portfolio exclusively through institutional partnerships, in order to foster local communities and support structures.

As a partner, you gain access to a number of places on the programme for your researchers, plus a range of additional support offers from the wider Berlin School activities.

Become a Partner

Interested in learning more? Reach out to explore if this offer is right for you. We typically arrange a call within two weeks, and look forward to learning about your goals.

Any project, department, research cluster or unit within a German academic institution can become a partner. Previous partners have included research museums, Excellence Clusters and Public Engagement units within universities.
  • A defined number of places for their researchers to join the Portfolio. It consists of both foundational training sessions and optional deep-dives.
  • Access to additional offers of the Berlin School (e.g., Journal Club, Talks).
  • Access to strategic advice on embedding Public Engagement and opportunities for exchange.
  • A contact person who will act as a local coordinator for participant recruitment and exchange with the Berlin School team.
  • Further support for participants from their institution, for example by offering networking opportunities and practical advice.

The Portfolio equips institutions with foundational research insights on the benefits of embedding Public Engagement in their culture, practices, and infrastructure. By joining our network, institutions can offer their researchers unique professional development opportunities, while accessing a supportive peer network of other German institutions committed to embedding Public Engagement.

Embedding a culture of public engagement (PE) brings institutions strategic benefits, enhancing their relevance, reputation, and societal impact. By creating an environment where researchers are empowered to connect their work with public needs, institutions can strengthen community ties, foster trust, and increase their visibility. A robust PE culture supports interdisciplinary projects, aligns with civic goals, and attracts support from funders and policymakers who value social responsibility. Furthermore, PE provides researchers with transferable skills that boost career versatility and satisfaction, contributing to retention and professional growth. Overall, PE integration leads to a dynamic, adaptable research culture, positioning institutions as leaders in impactful knowledge exchange and community engagement.

Our Training Approach: Beyond SciComm, Towards Transformative Engagement

People-Centred

We create vibrant spaces for meaningful learning by bringing together diverse groups of participants from various disciplines, institutions, and career stages. Our sessions are tailored to the unique interests and needs of each group, ensuring relevance and engagement. By focusing on interactive, “show, don’t tell” methods, we keep our sessions dynamic and impactful.

Research-Informed

Our approach blends cutting-edge research with practical frameworks, tools, and techniques. We draw insights from the latest in Public Engagement, Science Communication, and related fields, exploring innovative methods and current case studies. Continuous monitoring allows us to refine our programmes and measure their impact on participants and their institutions.

Sustainable, Lifelong Learning

We empower participants to strategically plan and enhance their engagement efforts throughout their careers. By building confidence and transferable skills, we support their growth in a safe, supportive environment that fosters peer support and community building.

Bespoke training and consultation

We also offer tailored support for individuals, projects, and institutions to develop and implement effective engagement strategies. Our services include mentoring, consultation and bespoke training. Interested in learning more? Reach out to explore if this offer is right for you. We typically arrange a call within two weeks, and look forward to learning about your goals.

Request tailored support

Institutional partners
and previous collaborators

Fb3, Natural
History Museum Berlin

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