Together in Action: Practice and Science – Creating Impact Together

On 9–10 June 2026, the projects funded under the “Integration through Education” funding programme came together at the Umweltforum Berlin for the networking conference of the meta-project. Under the theme “Together in Action: Practice and Science Creating Impact”, the event focused on professional exchange, strengthening connections across projects, and exploring how research and educational practice can work together effectively.

The conference opened with welcome addresses by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and the meta-project. From the very first conversations, it became clear how diverse the funded projects are and how strong the interest is in learning from one another.

A central theme throughout the conference was the collaboration between research and practice. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and panel discussions, participants explored how scientific evidence can be translated into educational practice and how, in turn, practical experience can enrich research processes. A recurring message was that successful collaboration depends on shared goals, mutual trust, and continuous dialogue.

In her keynote address, Prof. Dr. Liesel Ebersöhn from Pretoria, South Africa, inspired participants with insights into co-constructive educational research in contexts shaped by inequality. Drawing on examples of collaborative partnerships, she demonstrated how new knowledge emerges when diverse perspectives come together and when people are recognised not only as recipients of knowledge but also as active contributors to its creation.

The meta-project also presented the first findings from its research review. Against the backdrop of the rapidly growing body of academic literature, participants discussed ways of systematically identifying, organising, and making research findings accessible to the funding programme’s community. They also had the opportunity to explore a web application currently under development and actively contribute ideas for its further refinement.

The funded projects themselves played a central role throughout the conference. During panel discussions and a poster session, project teams presented their work, exchanged ideas, and shared experiences from their respective fields of practice. The wide range of topics and approaches highlighted the many different pathways to strengthening educational opportunities and social participation for people with a migration background while promoting greater equity within the education system.

In the closing reflections, participants particularly valued the opportunities for personal exchange, the insights gained into other projects, and the diversity of perspectives on current challenges. At the same time, many expressed a desire for even more opportunities for cross-project collaboration and shared spaces for reflection.

The networking conference demonstrated the wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment brought together by the projects within the funding programme. The meta-project will take forward the many ideas and suggestions generated during the discussions and integrate them into its ongoing work and the planning of future activities.

Below, you will find a selection of impressions from the conference.