A diver swims between long algae in the sea

Transfer

Using Knowledge Effectively for Politics, Business and Society

The transfer of scientific findings to politics, business and society is a strategic core element of the DAM with the aim of promoting the sustainable use of the coasts, seas and oceans.

The DAM bundles the expertise of German marine research and ensures a goal- and interaction-group-oriented exchange of knowledge and communication with politics and society. In addition, the DAM develops strategies for cooperation with industry, for the promotion of young scientists and for capacity development.

The pink sea slug lives in the algae forests of the Atlantic — Nudibranch off Norway | Picture: Dirk Schories

The Ocean Decade

The United Nations has proclaimed the years 2021 to 2030 to be the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Policy-makers, society and scientists are to work together to successfully implement sustainable development goals for “life below water”.

from science into practice

Scientific knowledge can impact society when it leads to innovations, developments, decision-making or an increase in knowledge beyond the scientific community. Successful transfer is based on bringing together and preparing the necessary knowledge in such a way that it is understandable and usable for the addressees. Appropriate transfer formats are developed by DAM together with experts and made available across institutions. They are based on best practice, examples are

For policymakers: recommendations, policy briefs, position papers, advisory meetings, expert councils, round tables
For administrations: workshops, guidelines, models and tools
For the business community: cooperation and development partnerships, products, patents, technology transfer, spin-offs, workshops, models and tools
For education: school materials, experiments for schools, learning platforms, teacher training, training and further education
For civil society: high-profile events, citizen science, citizen dialogues, digital media, exhibitions, art meets science, webinars

Ocean Literacy

The oceans influence human beings in many different ways and conversely we influence the oceans. The United Nations has launched a worldwide initiative to increase our understanding of this interrelationship: “Ocean Literacy” addresses decision-makers and society alike to promote the sustainable use of seas and oceans. Through its transfer activities, the DAM contributes directly to “Ocean Literacy”.

Two women lay out fish to dry on the beach — Fishing in Ghana | Picture: ZMT

Two schoolgirls stand by the sea and watch a scientific sample — School class on sea excursion | Picture: GEOMAR

Several divers wade into the sea with equipment — Dive off Chile | Picture: Dirk Schories

Two people examine a piece of driftwood with shells on a beach by the sea — Barnacles on the beach | Picture: Dirk Schories

A diver swims in the sea under a big red jellyfish — Dive with comb jelly | Picture: Dirk Schories

fields of action of the DAM knowledge transfer

The exchange of knowledge with experts from politics, business and civil society is crucial for developing viable concepts for the protection and sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems. Knowledge exchange plays a decisive role in the DAM’s research missions, so that practice-relevant aspects can be incorporated into research projects and science-based options for action can be developed in a targeted manner.

In addition to the exchange of knowledge, the dialogue with society must also have a broad impact and offer opportunities for participation and education. Sustainability also depends on society’s understanding and willingness to shape and live transformation processes. In the core area transfer, communication and participation formats are planned that offer access to and an overview of socially relevant marine issues, provide food for thought on sustainable action and create opportunities for dialogue and participation.

The DAM develops a strategic concept for the promotion of young scientists and engineers and supports and implements it through the participating research institutions. As an added value, the DAM can improve the overview of and access to the offerings for students, doctoral candidates, postdocs and promote networking between young researchers and stakeholders from politics, business and civil society. Measures are being developed that combine digital communication platforms with offers for personal acquaintance.

Capacity development is a broad term that encompasses various educational, exchange and promotional measures. In the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, knowledge partnerships with emerging and developing countries are of particular importance in order to promote the sustainable management of coasts, seas and oceans on a global scale. As the umbrella organization of German marine research, the DAM can enhance the networking of existing measures in order to increase their strategic effectiveness and supplement them with targeted new measures.

Concept for knowledge transfer in the DAM (as of 1.10.2020, in German): PDF

Seaweed under water — Seaweed has great economic potential. | Picture: Dirk Schories

“For many, the ocean is the new economic frontier. It holds the promise of immense resource wealth and great potential for boosting economic growth, employment and innovation. And it is increasingly recognised as indispensable for addressing many of the global challenges facing the planet in the decades to come, from world food security and climate change to the provision of energy, natural resources and improved medical care.”
OECD (2016): The Ocean Economy in 2030

Cooperation with Businesses

The activities of the DAM, especially its research missions, are designed to allow research and development projects to be established in close cooperation with industry. To this end, DAM is strengthening the exchange with representatives of industry and technology transfer.

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Our Sponsors

The federal government and the regional governments of the five Northern German federal states are supporting and funding the current establishment of the DAM. In addition, the DAM is supported by the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.