Helmholtz Open Science Forum: Collaborative Research Cultures

September 24, 2026, 09:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Background
Program
Documentation
Contact

Background

The Helmholtz Open Science Forum on Collaborative Research Cultures provided a space for reflection and dialogue on how research assessment practices, working conditions, and everyday academic realities shape our research cultures. Bringing together diverse perspectives from within the Helmholtz Association and beyond, participants in the forum identified structural challenges, shared experiences, and discussed pathways toward academic work environments that support excellence and attract talent. By fostering open exchange across roles, disciplines, and career stages, the forum contributed to ongoing efforts to strengthen collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments at the Helmholtz Association. The event took place as an internal exchange for employees of the Helmholtz Association.

Program

Time	Agenda	Speaker
09:30	Welcome	Mathijs Vleugel, Helmholtz Open Science Office
09:45	Research Culture, what is it and why is it important?	Tjitske Holtrop, CWTS - Centre for Science and Technology Studies
10:10	How does inclusive gender equality contribute to strengthening collaborative research environments?	Kateřina Svíčková, Head of Sector for Gender in the Commission’s Directorate General for Research and Innovation
10:35	Beyond good intentions: The role of Leaders, Allyship, and Networks to advance DEI in the Helmholtz Association	Marlene Gomez Becerra, GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung
11:00	Break
11:05	N² Survey: Are our research culture policies hitting the mark?	Peter Macsek, 2024 Spokesperson of the Helmholtz Juniors, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)
11:30	How can research assessment reforms contribute to shaping healthy research cultures?	Lea Maria Ferguson, Helmholtz Open Science Office
11:45	Plenary Discussion	Mathijs Vleugel, Helmholtz Open Science Office
12:30	Wrap-up	Yuliya Fadeeva, Helmholtz Open Science Office