Night Science Expanded – Workshops to strategically enhance creativity

Illustration mit zwei Personen mit Ferngläsern, im Vordergrund ein Schloss

Jonas Willingstorfer für VolkswagenStiftung

Important Dates

  • Workshops in February, May, September and November 2027
  • Registration: 'first come, first served'

At the heart of every scientific breakthrough lies a creative process, yet scientists almost never learn explicit methods for working in this way. Through the Night Science Workshops, we aim to provide researchers with practical mental tools to gain new insights.

  • area of research: Natural, Life and Engineering Sciences
  • target group: Researchers at all stages of their careers who are interested in Night Science
  • type of funding: Night Science workshops with the 'Night Science Institute' at Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover
  • amount: Participation in the workshops is free of charge. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed for those currently receiving funding from the Foundation.
  • important: Registering for more than one workshop is not permitted. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What we offer

In view of the positive response to the Night Science funding initiative and building on the experience gained, the Foundation wants to make the 'Night Science' concept accessible to a wider circle of researchers, both within and outside its network.

Workshops run by the Night Science Institute teach practical methods for developing innovative ideas, redefining complex problems, formulating meaningful research questions and fostering interdisciplinary exchange.

  • The workshops take place as face-to-face events at the Herrenhausen Palace Conference Centre, Hanover.
  • They are conducted in English by the Night Science Institute.
  • Participants who successfully complete a workshop will receive a certificate issued by the Night Science Institute.

There are two different types of workshop to choose from:

  • one-day workshops and
  • two-day 'train-the-trainer' workshops, which prepare participants to lead “Night Science” workshops or courses at their own institutions.

Information on the established Night Science initiative

Through its 'Night Science – Space for the Creative Mind' programme, the foundation supports tandems from the natural sciences, life sciences and engineering over a 12-month period. The next deadline is expected to be in early 2027.

To funding initiative "Night Science"

One-day Night Science workshops

You are new to the 'Night Science' concept and want to find out more? You are curious about creative research approaches and would like to learn practical methods for developing new ideas, reframing difficult problems and identifying meaningful research questions? Then these one-day workshops might be just the thing for you.

Dates for the one-day workshops:

  • 11 February 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
  • 4 May 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Two-day 'Train the trainer' workshops

You are keen to explore 'Night Science' in greater depth and learn how to communicate, pass on or embed the concept within your own organisation beyond the workshop itself? If so, the 'Train the trainer' workshops might be just the thing for you. They are also suitable for beginners who are interested in acting as ambassadors and introducing others to 'Night Science'.

Dates for the two-day workshops:

  • 2–3 September 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
  • 8–9 November 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Registration

Please note: You may not register for more than one of the workshops on offer. 
Places are limited and will be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Registration for current recipients of funding from the Foundation

Are you currently working on a project funded by the Foundation, and the project has not yet been completed? If so, the Foundation will cover the travel and accommodation costs for taking part in the workshop.

Please note:

  • You may not register for more than one of the workshops on offer.
  • Registration does not constitute confirmation of your participation. Once the Foundation has reviewed your details, you will be informed whether you can take part.
One-day workshop on 11 February 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Application for grant recipients (Doo)

One-day workshop on 4 May 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Application for grant recipients (Doo)

'Train the Trainer' on 2–3 September 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Application for grant recipients (Doo)

'Train the Trainer' on 8–9 November 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Application for grant recipients (Doo)

Registration for researchers not currently receiving funding

Participation in the workshop, including catering during the event, is free of charge. Participants who are not currently receiving funding from the Foundation are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Please note: You may not register for more than one of the workshops on offer.

One-day workshop on 11 February 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Registration for researchers not receiving funding (Doo)

One-day workshop on 4 May 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Registration for researchers not receiving funding (Doo)

'Train the Trainer' on 2–3 September 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Registration for researchers not receiving funding (Doo)

'Train the Trainer' on 8–9 November 2027, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Please register via the following link: Registration for researchers not receiving funding (Doo)

Contact

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