HWR International Doctoral Summer School 2026
19 doctoral students from different disciplines and countries met in Berlin to explore how research becomes practice. Workshops, lectures and exchange shaped the week at HWR Berlin.
What happens when 19 doctoral students from different disciplines, universities and universities of applied sciences meet in Berlin? From 7 to 11 September 2026, the second HWR Berlin International Doctoral Summer School answered this question. Under the motto "Application-oriented and practice-related research: Mind the Gap – Find the Gap – Bridge the Gap", participants explored how research becomes practice and how they can advance their academic careers.
Interactive workshops across disciplines
During the intensive week, participants discussed lively and worked together across disciplinary boundaries. Interactive workshops covered writing strategies, the stages of a PhD journey, methodology, publication strategies and science communication. Twelve lecturers supported the doctoral students: professors, writing coaches, research assistants, guest lecturers and a start-up team
Closing the gap between academia and practice
The participants examined the complex, complementary relationship between academia and practice. They identified gaps in their research and found new ways to give their PhD projects real-world relevance or to refine them further.
HWR Berlin thanks all participants, lecturers and contributors. Special thanks go to the HWR Berlin SIB for hosting the Summer School in its inspiring space, and to the Berlin School of Public Engagement for a workshop day. The week brought exchange, collaboration and learning, and gave 19 PhD projects valuable impulses.
The second HWR Berlin International Doctoral Summer School was funded by the federal-state program "FH-Personal".