First Steps Symposium, 6-10 September 2021

The First Steps Symposium was equal parts workshop, barcamp, and networking event. It took place online from September 6-10, 2021.

The program points were spread throughout the day and included synchronous as well as asynchronous interaction opportunities. This allowed participation in sessions in parallel to the regular workday. The working language from Monday to Thursday was German before switching to English on the Friday, as we were joined by colleagues from the international Public Engagement community.

The goal for First Steps was a co-creative exchange and design process with professionals/'enablers' on the status quo and the future of the field of Public Engagement in Germany. Therefore, the First Steps program was designed to be egalitarian, interactive and process-oriented from the beginning. The design of the sessions as well as the stage and microphones are shared with the community to work together on concrete questions and challenges. The inclusion of heterogeneous perspectives allowed for a more realistic picture of the status quo, to develop resilient approaches to solving problems with an eye on the future of the field, and to cultivate a community that will continue to pursue and develop these approaches beyond First Steps.


We understand "First Steps" holistically as the event and its participants. As such, First Steps was intended to:

  • create the basis for exchange and organization of stakeholders

  • support networking, reflection and cocreation

  • initiate a process towards a dynamic cultural change

  • represent a step in the definition and development of the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science.

The programme:
The program included a variety of formats, but had four main categories:

  • Morning Networking and Exchange Sessions. These sessions are focused on organised exchange.

  • Midday: Community Sessions. These sessions are focused on collaborative learning.

  • Late afternoon: Impulse sessions. Here, panels or individual speakers share their insights and perspectives on topics. Participants can sit back and relax.

  • In the evening: creative spaces and relaxed exchange.


A snapshot of the sessions:



Networking was held on Wonder, the interactive virtual event space:


Barbara Ott summarised the week through graphic recording:



The First Steps Symposium was a collaboration between the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Robert Bosch Stiftung) and grasshopper kreativ.

The First Steps Symposium was equal parts workshop, barcamp, and networking event. It took place online from September 6-10, 2021.

The program points were spread throughout the day and included synchronous as well as asynchronous interaction opportunities. This allowed participation in sessions in parallel to the regular workday. The working language from Monday to Thursday was German before switching to English on the Friday, as we were joined by colleagues from the international Public Engagement community.

The goal for First Steps was a co-creative exchange and design process with professionals/'enablers' on the status quo and the future of the field of Public Engagement in Germany. Therefore, the First Steps program was designed to be egalitarian, interactive and process-oriented from the beginning. The design of the sessions as well as the stage and microphones are shared with the community to work together on concrete questions and challenges. The inclusion of heterogeneous perspectives allowed for a more realistic picture of the status quo, to develop resilient approaches to solving problems with an eye on the future of the field, and to cultivate a community that will continue to pursue and develop these approaches beyond First Steps.


We understand "First Steps" holistically as the event and its participants. As such, First Steps was intended to:

  • create the basis for exchange and organization of stakeholders

  • support networking, reflection and cocreation

  • initiate a process towards a dynamic cultural change

  • represent a step in the definition and development of the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science.

The programme:
The program included a variety of formats, but had four main categories:

  • Morning Networking and Exchange Sessions. These sessions are focused on organised exchange.

  • Midday: Community Sessions. These sessions are focused on collaborative learning.

  • Late afternoon: Impulse sessions. Here, panels or individual speakers share their insights and perspectives on topics. Participants can sit back and relax.

  • In the evening: creative spaces and relaxed exchange.


A snapshot of the sessions:



Networking was held on Wonder, the interactive virtual event space:


Barbara Ott summarised the week through graphic recording:



The First Steps Symposium was a collaboration between the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Robert Bosch Stiftung) and grasshopper kreativ.

Page published: 21 Dec 2021, 04:05 PM