Multiple perspectives, shared goals: Ambrusch-Rapp, Schmitt, Pirker, Soleymani (from left to right)

Engaged science can be understood as a multifaceted dialogue between academia and other sectors of society, such as social services, art and culture, social movements and initiatives, urban actors, and individual citizens. The goal is to establish the university as a central hub for this dialogue. Engaged science encompasses a variety of approaches, including citizen science, where citizens contribute their expertise to research projects, or the opening of universities to the city and region through citizen-oriented events held outside the university premises. All these approaches share the belief that research and teaching can be participatory (von Unger, 2014; Bergold & Thomas, 2012). In both research and teaching, students, as well as associations, companies, and social initiatives, are considered equal partners, each bringing their own valuable knowledge resources (Kaltmeier, 2012). In a co-creative process, projects such as joint events or collaborative research or practice projects are planned and executed together. This form of cooperation is increasingly important in light of the multiple and interconnected crises we face, such as the climate crisis, nationalism and racism, wars, and violence. The significant challenges of our time require diverse social actors and forms of knowledge to collaborate, developing knowledge and skills together to address real-world problems (Keller & Limaye, 2020).

In research, teaching, and third-mission activities, I collaborate closely with colleagues from various fields, including social work, art, culture, and social movements. The following photographs, links, and videos provide an insight into these partnerships and our joint activities. One notable collaboration is with Dr. Bettina Pirker from the cultural and theater space VENTIL in Klagenfurt, where we have worked together on various projects, bridging academic knowledge with creative and cultural practices.

In May 2023, students from the seminar International Social Work and Social Movements transformed the VENTIL cultural space in Klagenfurt into a solidarity city. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bettina Pirker from VENTIL and the Kärnten andas association for allowing us to be creative together. A big thank you also to all the students who worked with great dedication on the topic of solidarity cities and developed their own ideas and strategies for solidarity actions. 

Video © Bettina Pirker, see also: https://twitter.com/i/status/1659076353117831170

Music: Komiku - Level 10 - Finally together - FMA Free Music Project

Research needs discussion and exchange - in scientific journals, but also beyond. Thank you, dear team of the Kärntner Allgemeine Zeitung (kaz), the Apotheken Umschau, the mini-max journal for kinds, and the MiGAZIN for the cooperation on the topics of solidarity and the need for care.

Since April 2021, there has been a teaching collaboration with multimedia artist and cultural worker Barbara Ambrusch-Rapp, with the Solband and with rapper Marko Mudri. Performance art and music find their way into the university teaching and inspire both students and teachers. The teaching format is constantly being developed further in cooperation with Jasmin Donlic and was presented at the first Diversity Day at Klagenfurt University together with Barbara Ambrusch-Rapp and the students Amina Bjelic and Azime Ön.

Sabrina Schifrer from the radio station AGORA will report on the topic of "cooperation" on June 15, 2023 and has invited Bettina Pirker from Kärnten andas, Yulia Izmaylova from the association VADA and me to the radio studio for an interview. Tune in at 7 pm. More information here.

Pirker, Schmitt, Izmaylova @Sabrina Schifrer

Engaged science brings together expertise from practice and research - thanks to Bea Schwager from the Züri City Card association for our collaboration on the topic of solidarity cities and to Markus Emanuel, Gunther Graßhoff and Marc Weinhardt for inviting Bea and me as a team to their event series Social Pedagogy and Sustainability. Photograph: Marc Weinhardt (2022).

Our working unit Transnational Migration and Solidarity Research of the Institute of Education was part of the Long Night of Research at Klagenfurt University in May 2022. The public was invited to get to know the research and teaching topics of the university. Our topic? Of course, solidarity! Our station included a children's workshop, a photo station "Messages of Solidarity", a video installation and a quote and photo wall. Thanks to Lukas Baumann, Elisabeth Engberding and Kerstin Piskernig for the great teamwork!