Welcome to the "maKeIT HAPPEN" series – where innovation meets impact! Designed to inspire and empower researchers, this dynamic series of events bridges the gap between academic discoveries and real-world applications.

Whether you're an aspiring intrapreneur, a seasoned researcher, or someone passionate about making a difference, our sessions offer invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and practical advice.

Join us as we explore how to turn groundbreaking research into tangible societal benefits, showcasing the stories of those who are leading the way. Let's make it happen together!

Mark your calendars for our upcoming "maKeIT HAPPEN" sessions:

• October 29, 2024
• November 26, 2024
• January 28, 2025

We are always on the lookout for inspiring speakers who are ready to share their experiences and insights on transfer activities. If you are interested in contributing to our series, we would love to hear from you.

As part of our “maKeIT HAPPEN” series, we seek individuals willing to share their experiences and personal stories related to transfer activities. Our focus is on academic intrapreneurship: we aim to inspire KIT researchers and staff to take the step from theory to practice, bringing their research into application and thus making an impact on society and the economy. We understand transfer in a broad sense.

We emphasize a diversity of speakers who can be seen as role models and sources of inspiration – for example, people with international backgrounds and/or those who have taken unconventional paths. Your stories and experiences offer new perspectives and are an essential part of what makes our events special. If you feel inspired to contribute and be part of the "maKeIT HAPPEN" series, please contact us.

maKeIT HAPPEN Series - February to June

Since our launch in February, we have hosted three dynamic events featuring thought leaders from various fields, offering insights, inspiration, and practical advice for making a difference through research.

Our journey began with three inspiring researchers within the KIT Nexus:

• Tobias Röddiger (TECO)
• Dr. Ulrike Brandt-Bohne (NaWik)
• Dr. Volker Stelzer (ITAS/KAT)

These speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on how research can drive societal change, emphasizing the importance of communication, community engagement, and practical applications.

 

February Kickoff: Insights from Tobias Röddiger

On February 20th, we kicked off the series with an inspiring session featuring Tobias Röddiger from TECO. Tobias, a researcher in computer science, shared his journey from academia to impactful innovation. Despite being a postdoc for less than a year, he has participated in over 30 hackathons, founded two startups, and filed three patents. His talk emphasized three core messages:

• Choose Your Research Focus Wisely: Select topics that are both cutting-edge and relevant to society or the economy, like Tobias' development of the world's first open-source platform for ear-based sensing, "OpenEarable."
• Be Prepared to Go the Extra Mile: Exceptional results require great commitment and the willingness to go beyond the ordinary.
• Discover Your Superpower: Identify your unique strengths and collaborate with others to complement your skills, as inspired by the partnership between Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Tobias' talk led to a dynamic Q&A session and inspired the audience to reflect on their own research and its potential real-world impact.

April Session: ScienceCom Insights from Dr. Ulrike Brandt-Bohne

On April 23rd, Dr. Ulrike Brandt-Bohne from the Nationales Institut für Wissenschaftskommunikation (NaWiK) captivated us with her journey from biology PhD to science communication expert. Dr. Brandt-Bohne highlighted the importance of clear and structured communication for enhancing visibility and impact. Key takeaways from her talk included:

• Audience Awareness: Tailor your message to resonate with diverse groups.
• Science Communication Excellence: Essential for broadening the reach and acceptance of research.
• Structured Communication: Use NaWiK's frameworks to make complex topics accessible.
• Active Implementation: Incorporate these strategies into daily routines for significant benefits.

The networking session following her talk sparked vibrant discussions and potential collaborations, setting the stage for future innovations in science communication.

June Session: Transformative Insights from Dr. Volker Stelzer

On June 25th, Dr. Volker Stelzer from ITAS/KAT shared his journey from theoretical research to practical societal impact. He underscored the importance of participatory research in energy transformation, highlighting:

• Community Engagement: Active participation of local communities is crucial.
• Communication is Key: Effective communication inspires and engages people in sustainable change.
• Personal Journey: Combining research with public outreach enriches the impact.

Dr. Stelzer's presentation led to a lively networking session filled with discussions and potential collaborations, reinforcing the importance of bridging research with societal impact.

Want to be part of the next session? Follow us on  LinkedIn to get the latest updates!