Reference to the Excellence Proposal

"TUD in Dialog" is a part of the "public outreach" endeavours in the EXU strategic objective IMPACT, but also has links to the SPIRIT strategic area of activity. This measure focuses on science communication (IMPACT). At the same time, it is also an internal communication tool for organizational development (SPIRIT).

TUD organizational units can apply for "TUD in Dialog" funding for their projects if the following objectives are fulfilled:

Objectives of "TUD in Dialog"

1. Building dialog between the university and society

"TUD in Dialog" aims to strengthen the societal impact of TUD and achieve an innovative and contemporary science communication which is relevant to the target audience. Particular emphasis should be placed on topics that are key to the strategy of the Vice-Rectorate University Culture: promotion of democratic values, participation, transparency, respect, diversity, inclusion, health, environmental sustainability, individual and societal responsibility, lifelong learning and modern working life.

The aim is to promote mutual exchange between society and the university via:

• incorporation of social impetus into research

• testing and discussion of scientific findings in the public sphere

• a two-way exchange of knowledge and experience from society and academia.

The focal point is building dialog with society in urban and rural environments, so visions and innovations of present and future changes and challenges within society can be developed together.

2. Dialog within TUD

"TUD in Dialog" aims to promote a critical awareness among university employees regarding their own personal and university (communication) culture, as well as the viewpoint and perspectives of both the university members and the university as a whole concerning the topic in question. For these discussions, internal university participation methods can be developed and strengthened (Link to SPIRIT).

Thematic participation methods on common goals and ideas for the future, or on topics that are controversial or under discussion at the university, should help to develop a university culture that is based on open, fear-free communication, participation, academic discourse at eye level, and mutual appreciation.

In the long term, these offerings are to become a permanent fixture in the university and public spheres, both internally (TUD) and externally (society), by creating virtual and physical spaces for interaction on campus and also in urban and regional areas.

Who can apply for funding?

The applicant must be an employee of TUD.

Which projects are eligible for "TUD in Dialog" Funding?

"TUD in Dialog" is open for any topic that is in line with the German Basic Law, the rules and regulations of TUD, its mission statement and the basic rules of good scientific practice. Particular emphasis will, however, be placed on strategic areas of the university culture such as transparency, respect, creative innovation and participation, promotion of democracy, ecological sustainability, diverse perspectives, science communication, combating scepticism of science, imparting of new formats of dialog about research, teaching, transfer, internationalization, digitalization, and university culture, and about the strategic goals of TUD.

The subject requesting funding must have an explicit focus on creating dialog, i.e. an open discourse between several people sharing a free flow of ideas, shedding light on a topic from several sides, opening up new perspectives. It should be open-ended. Dialog is about listening to each other, understanding each other better, sharing different positions and opinions and taking empirical knowledge seriously. A collaborative (further) development of topics can also be the subject of a "TUD in Dialog" funding. However, the primary aim is not decision making. Pure knowledge transfer followed by a brief discussion is not eligible for funding.

The time allotted for an open dialog on the topic in question must be appropriate to the complexity of the topic in order to allow a dialog to unfold.

The chosen format must facilitate the development of dialog.

Innovative science communication is intended to address especially target groups outside TUD. The testing of new dialog formats encouraging active participation is particularly welcomed.

When building a dialog with society it should be noted: Knowledge production involves different groups of people with different skills, resources, backgrounds, and experiences, etc. Science and practice should not oppose each other – they should be interconnected: The competencies of others should be recognized, appreciated, and used to generate knowledge. This can be achieved with both analog and digital formats such as:

• public events, discussion forums, festivals, competitions, exhibitions, citizen science projects, and
• blogs, discussion forums, social media channels.

Projects are encouraged to not only take place in formal places of learning such as schools or TUD, but to also include learning sites outside of these. For example, neighbourhood areas, sports facilities, community gardens, etc.

Funded projects should appeal to all levels of society. Special effort should be made to include educationally disadvantaged groups. Care should be taken to ensure that the initiatives are also comprehensible to non-specialists.

The "academic community" produces and reproduces powerful social hierarchies, given that not all members of our society have access to research-based knowledge. Participation in academia and science is formally enabled or blocked by means of certificates or university degrees. This is further exacerbated by educational background (e.g., scientific language, methods) and socialization (socio-economic capital, habitus). Thus, science communication does not take place between equal partners – it takes place in a situation where science is granted more power and influence than the other side. This is despite the growing challenges of legitimacy and the increasing influence of anti-science voices. This power balance requires permanent and critical reflection if academia and society are to meet at eye level.

Projects that do not meet "TUD in Dialog" funding criteria

As the primary funding criterion of "TUD in Dialog" is promoting dialog between the university and society, all formats that represent a pure transfer of knowledge without a pronounced dialog character do not meet the objective of the measure. This also applies to formats for the creation of scientific networks and professional synergies. Activities related to studying and teaching are not eligible for funding or only eligible for funding to a very limited extent.

Funding and resources

As part of "TUD in Dialog", an easily accessible individual activity can be funded with up to 1,000 euros per calendar year (combination with funding line 1 is excluded).

Only material resources are available. This means:

• Central personnel resources are not available for this measure. Funding of freelance and work contracts is possible. Student Assistants (SHK) can only be funded to a small extent. Whoever organizes a "TUD in Dialog" project in a leadership role must ensure the necessary personnel resources.
• The financing of technical equipment is excluded.  
• No fixed assets may be created.

The "TUD in Dialog" total budget for easily accessible projects is 15,000 euros in material resources per calendar year.

Funding period

The approved sum must be used in the year it has been approved and invoiced in good time before the closing of accounts at the end of the year. (Exception: Project ideas whose funding applications are submitted by December 1 will be funded in the following calendar year if approved.) It is not possible to carry over funds to the following year, but a follow-up application is possible. Projects running over several years can be submitted and approved as multi-year projects. However, only the amount for the new calendar year is approved.

Application deadlines and documents

Applications may be submitted at four deadlines per year:

• March 1, June 1, October 1 for the year of application,
• December 1 for the following year.

Please send the documents below via email to :

• Completed application form
• Detailed finance plan (please use this template)
• Additional documents (if required)

Please submit your applications in digital form only.
Submitting applications by mail is not possible.

Only applications that have been submitted in full can be considered.

Selection process

The allocation of funds is decided three times per calendar year by a working group from the office of the Vice-Rector University Culture, Directorate 9 and Directorate 7 in a selection meeting.

If approved, the internal funding notifications with details of the funding amount will be sent by email no later than three weeks after the selection meeting. Applicants whose projects were not approved will also be informed of the decision by email within three weeks.

The decision on funding cannot be appealed and the decision of the working group is binding.

Final report

For funded projects, a final report must be submitted within six weeks of project completion. A template will be provided.

Part of the final report is also a proof of use for the spent funds. The proof of use must be accompanied by supporting documents (e.g. copies of invoices) with which the structural unit responsible for the funded project can prove that all funds have been spent in accordance with the content of "TUD in Dialog".

Contact

For questions regarding "TUD in Dialog", please contact the coordination team: