New "SPEZZI" project launched - student participation using episodic short-term participation for sustainable innovation in university development

On April 1, 2026, CODIP launched a new three-year research project entitled "SPEZZI - Student Participation through Episodic Short-Term Participation for Sustainable Innovation in Higher Education Development". The BMFTR-funded project is a joint project with the Institute for Human-Centered Systems at the University of Lübeck.

The CODIP sub-project is dedicated to the development, testing and scientific substantiation of innovative participatory approaches in the university context. The focus is on promoting so-called episodic short-term participation. Together with students and other university actors, CODIP develops low-threshold, flexible formats that enable students to participate selectively but repeatedly in the academic and university context. The aim is to take into account the different life situations and framework conditions of students.

One focus of the CODIP is on the methodical design of the participation process during the project. This is where CODIP contributes its expertise in participatory research and co-creative methods. Digital, hybrid and analog formats as well as creative approaches such as LEGO® Serious Play® are used to make perspectives visible, promote joint reflection and develop future scenarios. The insights gained will be systematically processed and transferred into transferable concepts that contribute to strengthening student participation in the long term.

The project is being carried out by the research group "Participatory research and technology development of health-promoting interventions", which already has many years of methodological expertise and experience in working with young adults.

We look forward to a successful collaboration and to advancing the next steps of the project together with our partner.