Uni-Tübingen

CIVIS offers for the general public

Two children with dark glasses wear devices made from kitchen sieves with propellers on their heads, which are connected to a black box via cables. Sitting next to them is a clothed chimpanzee who appears to be taking notes on a pad.

Beyond cooperation between universities, the alliance also promotes interaction and collaboration between partner universities and societal stakeholders.

Open Labs

The CIVIS Open Lab is an interface and meeting place between university and society. Here, citizens work together with researchers and students to develop solutions for the major global challenges of the 21st century. Individuals, schools, companies, associations as well as local and regional authorities can participate – everyone is welcome to get involved.

What are the most pressing challenges we should address in Tübingen? We always welcome ideas and suggestions for new projects. Please contact us: mareike.kardinalspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de

Questions and answers on the CIVIS Open Lab

What is a CIVIS Open Lab?

The CIVIS Open Lab is an interface and meeting place between research and teaching and local society. In the lab, we plan and carry out transdisciplinary research projects – this is where citizens work together with researchers and students to develop possible solutions for the major global challenges of the 21st century.

How can I get involved in the Open Lab?

The Open Lab Tübingen is looking for ideas for new participatory research projects. In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges that we should tackle in Tübingen? What topic should definitely be investigated? How could we overcome local problems or even crises in a resilient way? You can give us your ideas or even  suggest entire research projects.

Who can participate in the Open Lab?

Anyone and everyone from the University and society is welcome to get involved. Individuals, schools, companies, associations, local and regional authorities as well as university students and researchers can participate. Some projects in the Open Lab take place via the Transdisciplinary Course Program.

Are there any prerequisites for taking part in the Open Lab?

No, there are not.

Which topics are suitable for Open Lab projects?

The projects in the Open Lab are closely linked to the research fields of CIVIS:

  • climate, environment, energy
  • health
  • society, culture, heritage
  • digital and technolgical transformation
  • cities, spaces, mobilities
     

How can I start a project?

The best way is to take part in the ideas raffle and fill out a postcard. We will then draw winners at the Science & Innovation Days on 9 November 2023. Afterwards, we will also select one or more top winners whose project ideas we will implement together with them.

If you do not want to take part in the raffle, but still have a research idea: Just come up and talk to us or write to mareike.kardinalspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de.

Where is the Tübingen Open Lab located?

The Open Lab is currently coordinated from the city center of Tübingen (Rümelinstraße 32). However, we are looking for a suitable meeting place for the future that will be easily accessible for all those involved.

Which Open Lab projects have already been carried out?

Over the past two years, a range of projects have been realized in Tübingen with the help of the Open Lab:

  • „Small business management and the emotional implications of the pandemic“
  • „The ageing society – Inclusion, aging and care as a social challenge“
  • „Lost places, lost memories? The legacy of Nazi terror along the Swabian Alb“
  • „Inside - Out - Outside - In: Science meets Society at the Swabian Sea“
  • „Transnational project on migration“
  • „NaturaShare - Finding nature in the CIVIS cities“

Further details on some individual projects

In retrospect: Previous activies for the public

Pop-up store "Eckstein"

The “Eckstein” pop-up store brought science, research and civic engagement out of the university and into the public sphere: From May to July 2025, a shop in the center of Tübingen's old town was used as a space for meetings and activities. Through open events, exhibitions and participatory formats, it brought together researchers, students and citizens – as a prototype for a visible and accessible CIVIS Open Lab rooted in city life.

Further information on the pop-up store

Participatory research project "Challenges of ageing"

The "Challenges of ageing" project engaged senior citizens, caregivers, professionals and students in a participatory research process to identify local challenges related to ageing. Through international collaboration within the CIVIS alliance, it promoted inclusion, democratic participation and sustainable approaches to improving quality of life.

Theater project “Drawing Lines – vom Kampf um gleiche Rechte"

 A student theater project on racism and sexism in science and society takes to the stage – impressive, moving and thought-provoking. Performances took place from Friday to Sunday, 7 to 9 February, at 7:00 pm in the Fichtehaus (free entry).

Further information on the project