Helmholtz Open Science Forum: Collaborative Research Cultures
24. September 2026, 09:30 bis 12:30 Uhr
Background
The Helmholtz Open Science Forum on Collaborative Research Cultures provides 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, the forum aims to identify structural challenges, share experiences, and discuss pathways toward academic work environments that support excellence and attract talent. By fostering open exchange across roles, disciplines, and career stages, the forum contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments in the Helmholtz Association. Participants also have the opportunity to submit their questions when registering in order to deepen the exchange on key challenges and success factors in a targeted manner. Please note that this event is designed as an internal exchange and is intended for employees of the Helmholtz Association. The event takes place online via Zoom.
Program
The forum takes place online via Zoom (see below for registration).
| Time | Agenda | Speaker |
| 09:30 | Welcome | Lea Maria Ferguson & Mathijs Vleugel, Helmholtz Open Science Office |
| 09:45 | (Working title) Research Culture, what is it and why is it important? | Tjitske Holtrop, CWTS - Centre for Science and Technology Studies |
| 10:10 | (Working title) How does EDI 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 | (Working title) Which insights on research culture can be gained from the N2-Survey? | Peter Macsek, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) |
| 11:30 | (Working title) 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 | Lea Maria Ferguson & Mathijs Vleugel, Helmholtz Open Science Office |
We look forward to your participation!
Contact
Lea Maria Ferguson
Referentin Helmholtz Open Science Office
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7060-3670
Mathijs Vleugel
Leitung Helmholtz Open Science Office
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2988-2628
Steffi Genderjahn
Referentin Helmholtz Open Science Office
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8912-184X