Catalyst GER: Societal Impact from Humanities and Social Science Research

January 28, 2026

With Catalyst GER, the University of Stuttgart is among the first universities in Germany to offer researchers from the humanities and social sciences a concrete programme for translating their research into societal impact — without pressure to found a company, without a profit focus, but with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility.

Many of the great challenges of our time are not only technical in nature, but also social, political, and cultural. This is precisely where an enormous potential lies — one that has so far rarely received systematic support. As part of an Impact Potential Audit, TRACES, the Catalyst GER project leads, and other transfer stakeholders at the University of Stuttgart came together to reflect: Where do real needs and significant opportunities exist? How can transfer for the humanities and social sciences be strengthened in a targeted way? And how can shared pathways be created rather than isolated solutions?

The exchange was open and driven by a strong shared commitment to developing transfer in a responsible and purposeful manner. TRACES looks forward to the next steps and the upcoming kick-off of the programme.

Researchers from the humanities and social sciences at the University of Stuttgart who wish to generate societal impact from their work can find all information and register at https://www.traces.uni-stuttgart.de/ueber-uns/projekte/catalyst/

Contact

This image showsMarcel Fortwingel

Marcel Fortwingel

 

Head of Start-up BW Women Lab
Programm-Manager CxO Academy @ NXTGN Startup Factory

This image showsSebastian Donath

Sebastian Donath

 

Start-up Coach

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