Transdisciplinary research at universities of applied sciencesSciences - Status quo and potentials of a sleeping giant

Research at universities of applied sciences has grown considerably in recent decades and is closely linked to non-university practice. The practice-orientated research approach of Universities of Applied Sciences has parallels with transdisciplinary research (TDR), which aims at cooperation between science and non-scientific actors to solve social problems. However, in Germany there are
However, there are hardly any studies on TDR at HAWs and its categorisation in the research system in Germany - research at HAWs has also generally been a little-noticed topic in science and higher education research (WiHo research). TDR4HAW aims to close this research gap empirically and systematically. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research activities at HAWs are recorded quantitatively and categorised according to their research mode. Stakeholders' needs regarding support structures and professionalisation of TDR at Universities of Applied Sciences are identified through case studies, validated by Universities of Applied Sciences experts and stakeholders and transferred to broader application contexts. With the perspective on research at Universities of Applied Sciences, TDR4HAW opens up a target group that has received little attention and, with its special focus on TDR at the University of Applied Sciences, a previously unnoticed field of research.
The project thus contributes to broadening the perspective of higher education and science research.
It also aims to develop concrete concepts for the profiling and further development of research at Universities of Applied Sciences and their contribution to the science and higher education system.