Team and Collaboration

Sharing knowledge and experimenting with design

ZuKUNSToff was created through collaboration between various departments at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and the phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg. The project combines expertise in recycling and materials research with communication management, design and practical science education.

This collaboration made it possible to examine scientific content from different perspectives and, on that basis, to develop engaging exhibitions, prototypes and hands-on learning formats.

Project Lead and Industry Partner

Prof. Dr. phil. habil. Harald Rau
Chair of Communication Management
Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, Salzgitter Campus

The project was led by the Chair of Communication Management. The focus was on conveying scientific concepts in an accessible manner and developing suitable formats to raise visitors’ awareness of issues relating to the circular economy.

Alexandra Schautz
Curator of Biology and Head of Visitor Services
phaeno Science Centre (external link, opens in a new window), Wolfsburg

As a practical partner, phaeno contributed its expertise in designing interactive exhibitions and in the practical communication of scientific topics. This collaboration made it possible to implement the project ideas in a learning environment open to the public.

Academic collaboration at Ostfalia

In addition to the Chair of Communication Management, the Institute for Recycling at the Wolfsburg campus and the Interactive Media Research Group were involved in the project. Students and former students of Ostfalia also contributed to the development of the exhibition content and prototypes.

This interdisciplinary collaboration enabled academic questions to be combined with creative approaches and practical testing. The diverse perspectives formed an important basis for the development of the exhibits in the Plastics Forum and the Plastics Future Lab.

Collaboration as the foundation for innovation

ZuKUNSToff demonstrates how collaboration between universities and non-school learning environments can create new approaches to complex topics. Research provides the technical foundations, design brings these connections to life, and science communication opens up opportunities to explore them together with visitors.

This has given rise to a project that views plastic cycles not merely as a technical challenge, but also takes into account issues of use, recycling and social responsibility.