49th International Cities Forum 2026
Science as a driving force for innovative urban societies
Saturday, June 20
Every year, delegations from the partner and befriended cities are invited to Kiel Week to discuss a particular municipal topic at the International Cities Forum. The event therefore has high potential for the international work of the state capital Kiel.
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What it's all about in 2026
This year, the theme of the International Cities Forum was ‘Science as a driving force for innovative urban societies’.
Science is an important location factor and driving force for urban and community development. It provides sound data, innovative solutions and evidence-based strategies – from climate protection and transport concepts to social integration and digital infrastructure.
By collaborating with research institutions, local authorities can make evidence-based decisions, utilise resources efficiently and tap into new potential for sustainable projects. Scientific institutions also play an important role in training and attracting skilled personnel.
Science makes it possible to systematically address complex challenges such as demographic change or the energy transition. It strengthens competitiveness, promotes quality of life and, in the best case scenario, creates trust among citizens in municipal decisions.
Focus on Science Comes to Town
The EU-funded project “Science Comes to Town” will bring together the cities of Kiel, Brest, and Split in 2026 through a joint program focused on fostering dialogue between science and society.
This provides an excellent opportunity to dedicate this year’s International Cities Forum to the important theme of “Science” and its role in the development of our municipalities.
Focus on Science Comes to Town
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Mehr Informationen über unsere Partnerstädte und befreundeten Städte sowie die internationale Arbeit der Stadt unter
Kiel bereitet seine Verkehrswende vor. Das Öffentliche Nahverkehrsystem wird eine deutliche Aufwertung erfahren.
Für die Landeshauptstadt Kiel ist das Thema Mobilität 2022 von besonderem Interesse. Bereits 2017 hatte Kiel gemeinsam mit den umliegenden Kreisen Rendsburg-Eckernförde und Plön einen „Masterplan Mobilität“ verabschiedet. Einer der zentralen Punkte in diesem Handlungskonzept ist neben dem Ausbau des Fahrradnetzes auch die Entwicklung eines tragfähigen innerstädtischen ÖPNV-Netzes. Im kommenden Jahr soll die Entscheidung darüber fallen, wie der Stadtverkehr Kiels in Zukunft aussehen soll. Aktuell erarbeiten die Verkehrsplaner*innen eine Trassenstudie, die die beiden Alternativen – Schnellbusse (BRT) oder Stadtbahn (Tram) – in ihren Vor- und Nachteilen gegenüberstellt. Die Studie soll Ende 2022 abgeschlossen sein und eine Entscheidungsgrundlage für die Kieler Ratsversammlung bilden. Eine Diskussion mit unseren internationalen Partnerstädten über deren Mobilitätskonzepte für die Zukunft ist somit für Kiel im kommenden Jahr besonders wertvoll.
Ziel des Städteforums 2022 soll es daher sein, mit den Partnerstädten über die unterschiedlichen Aspekte von urbaner Mobilität und die Herausforderungen der Mobilitätswende in einen Austausch zu kommen. Nach einem einführenden Impulsvortrag der Mobilitätsexpertin Katja Diehl sowie einem Dialoggespräch zwischen Oberbürgermeister Dr. Ulf Kämpfer und Jana Kühl, Professorin für Radmanagement an der Ostfalia Universität, wird es Workshops zu vier verschiedenen Aspekten von Mobilität geben:
- Stärkung des emissionsarmen Öffentlichen Personennahverkehrs (ÖPNV)
- Ausbau von Fuß- und Radverkehr
- Digitalisierung und Mobilitätswende
- Mobilität rund ums Wasser
Abgerundet wird die Veranstaltung durch eine kurze Podiumsdiskussion, die auch Vertreter*innen der Zivilgesellschaft mit einbeziehen soll. Als Querschnittsthema soll dabei immer mitgedacht und diskutiert werden, wie die städtische Bevölkerung mitgenommen und für die Mobilitätswende begeistert werden kann. Der Austausch und die internationale Kooperation mit Kiels Partnerstädten kann bei der Entwicklung von Lösungsansätzen für die Herausforderungen der Mobilitätswende wichtige Impulse geben.
Agenda & Workshops
The three workshops are part of a supporting program consisting of expert input and a concluding panel discussion.
All participants have the opportunity to choose one workshop. The workshops were be held only in English. Other languages are supported through consecutive translation.
From 9.00 a.m.
Arrival of Participants
9.30 a.m. – 9.45 a.m.
Welcoming and Opening Remarks
Enke Koberg, Board member, Förde Sparkasse
Bettina Aust, President of the City Council Kiel
Dr. Anke Butscher, Introduction to the Conference
9.45 a.m. – 10.05 a.m.
Keynote Speech
"The challenge of policy advice, particularly for Cities and Communities"
Prof. Dr. Till Requate, Professor for Innovation, Competition and New Institutional Economics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel
10.05 a.m. – 10.30 a.m.
Thematic discussion
Tiit Terik, Deputy Mayor, City of Tallinn and
Dr. Samet Yilmaz, Mayor, City of Kiel
10.30 a.m. – 11.15 a.m.
Group Photo & Short Break
11.15 a.m.-12.45 p.m.
Workshop Session
Workshop I: Evidence-based policy and administration
Alke Voß, Head of Department for Environment, Climate Protection and Mobility, City of Kiel and
Prof. Hendrik Dankowski, University of Applied Sciences, Kiel
Tomasz Augustyniak, Vice-President, Gdynia
Workshop II: Strengthening the region as a centre of science (only English without translation)
Dr. Barbara Weig, Department of Innovation and Talents, Kiel Economic Development Agency (KiWi)
Dr. Susanna Slotte-Kock, External Relations Officer, City of Vaasa and
Prof. Dr. Sören Kock, Vice-Rector, Hanken School of Economics, Vaasa
Workshop III: Connecting science and citizens
Dr. Johannes Rosenplänter, Department for Culture and Further Education, City of Kiel
Ömer Faruk Demir, Deputy General Manager of SAMULAŞ (Company of Samsun Light Rail System), City of Samsun
12.45 p.m. – 1.45 p.m.
Lunch
1.45 p.m. – 2.45 p.m.
Presentation of Workshop Results
Panel Discussion
Dr. Igor Jerković, Vice-Rector for Science and Quality, University of Split
Marguerite Gouyou Beauchamps, Project Manager Science Comes to Town, City of Brest
Anton Iefanov, Deputy Head of Kherson City Military Administration
Mayor, Kherson City Council
Alke Voß, Head of Department for Environment, Climate Protection and Mobility, City of Kiel
2.45 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Bettina Aust, President of the City Council Kiel
Evidence-based action in politics and administration means incorporating sound scientific findings into decisions and processes, thereby increasing effectiveness, transparency and efficiency and taking new approaches to solutions into account. Essentially, it is about organising public action in such a way that social goals are achieved in the best possible way. The impact assessment of measures also plays a role in minimising undesirable side effects.
Evidence-based action in politics and administration therefore requires methodological expertise, fpr example for upstream impact assessments or downstream scientific evaluations of decisions. Above all, local politics and administration need cooperation that addresses concrete challenges and is presented in a practical and understandable way, while scientific work is usually structured for longer periods of time and often deals with overarching, more abstract issues in larger contexts. In order to unite these interests, functioning structures for exchange are needed to discuss current knowledge and research questions and to realise joint projects.
The state capital of Kiel, for example, has scientifically evaluated and confirmed the use of additional special education staff in childcare centres and classroom support in primary schools. By participating in the ‘Inter-municipal comparison of medium-sized cities in the area of educational support, integration support and protective measures’ (IKOV), Kiel can compare performance data, cost structures and case numbers with other municipalities and implement better management by analysing impact factors. The fundamental aim is to improve economic efficiency and ensure that tasks are fulfilled. In the area of municipal infrastructure, the city of Kiel is cooperating with numerous scientific institutions to realise a semi-autonomous ferry for crossing the Schwentine – a river that flows into the Kiel Fjord. The technical development, design and concept come from Kiel universities.
Workshop I is based on the following key questions:
- How can scientific expertise support administrators in developing viable concepts and making well-founded decisions?
- How can scientific methods be successfully transferred into the day-to-day work of local government?
- How can municipal topics be systematically translated into research questions and integrated into administrative processes in a structured way?
- How can the city be made more resilient and safer with scientific support, especially with regard to crisis situations?
- How can evidence-based working methods be used to promote concrete progress in urban planning, mobility, climate, sustainability, social development, participation and the culture of remembrance?
- Where and how should exchange, discourse and communication between science, administration and urban society take place in order to be effective?
Scientific institutions play a key role for cities and regions, not least for their innovative strength and for attracting, retaining and training skilled workers. Even though universities in Germany are primarily financed by the state and third-party funding, cities and regions contribute to the success of academic institutions through housing, infrastructure and mobility connections, among other things. However, strengthening the centre of science goes beyond this; well-functioning networks between science, business and the city, and common goals and strategies play an important role in order to be able to optimally utilise the knowledge of scientific institutions for the development of the location.
Kiel is a diverse centre of science with four universities, where around 34,000 students are educated and 7,000 employees work. There are also other research institutes such as GEOMAR (ocean research), the Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) and the Max Rubener Institute, which specialises in nutrition and food. The science officers of the state capital of Kiel form the interface between the city and the scientific institutions and develop concepts and instruments to strengthen Kiel as a centre of science together with the universities, scientific institutions and other partners. The main areas of activity are the promotion, organisation and in particular the supervision of cooperation between the state capital Kiel and the scientific institutions, the implementation of joint projects and the support of the scientific institutions in their cooperation with the city administration.
Workshop II is based on the following key questions:
- How can science tie in with the reality of life in cities and effectively address local and regional challenges?
- How can scientific findings be communicated to specific target groups so that they become effective in urban society, administration and politics?
- How do city-science partnerships strengthen the science centre, secure skilled personnel and promote innovation?
- How can science centres be financed in the long term?
- How can the visibility of science be used to attract skilled personnel and strengthen innovation at the location?
The active involvement of citizens in research processes opens up new perspectives and increases the social relevance and acceptance of scientific projects as well as trust in science. When research is organised in a participatory way, questions and experiences that are close to everyday life can be taken into account – a benefit both for the quality of the research and for its social impact. Participation in research therefore encompasses many different forms of involvement. This can already be realised in research planning, in the implementation of research projects (citizen science) or through science communication. At the same time, it is necessary to specifically strengthen the acceptance of scientific findings, as these are increasingly being questioned and relativised or scientific methods are not understood.
But how can broad involvement be achieved so that citizens feel addressed even without existing points of contact with science, and what role do formats, approaches and locations play in this? The ‘Science Comes to Town’ project also emphasises this issue and brings together citizen science projects, competitions, existing and new events. Examples of citizen-orientated activities include the Kiel Science Communication Network (KSCN) and the ‘Workshop 20th century’, where a new venue is being created for local history and remembrance, in which participation is encouraged.
Workshop III is based on the following key questions:
- Which formats and locations are suitable for anchoring science in urban society in an easy-access, interactive and tangible way and how can cities support this?
- How can science be communicated so that scientific findings become visible, understandable and relevant for urban society?
- How can scientific topics be presented in a practical way to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between science and urban society?
- How can municipal facilities, schools and third places be used to enable access and participation?
Results of the workshops
Following an introductory session in the plenary, the participants split into three parallel thematic workshops. In the workshops, the key aspects of the topic were discussed using case studies from two cities.
Read the complete documentation here
Excursion
Guided Tour to the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel is one of the world’s leading institutions in the field of marine research.
GEOMAR studies the global ocean from the seafloor to the atmosphere, covering a unique range of physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes in the ocean.
GEOMAR’s research areas:
- Ocean circulation and climate dynamics
- Marine biogeochemistry
- Marine ecology
- Seafloor dynamics
Core research topics at GEOMAR:
- Ocean and climate
- Marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles
- Risks and benefits of the seafloor
GEOMAR is a public-law foundation and a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. It is jointly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany (90%) and the State of Schleswig-Holstein (10%). GEOMAR currently has an annual budget of approximately 89 million euros and employs 1,000 staff members (as of 2024).
GEOMAR makes important contributions to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as well as to the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. As part of the Helmholtz Association’s program-oriented funding, GEOMAR participates in the “Changing Earth – Sustaining our Future” program within the Earth and Environment Research Division.
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Panel
Tomasz Augustyniak
Law graduate with a PhD, healthcare postgraduates, and an Executive MBA. Former entrepreneur, trainer, and State Trade Inspection employee. Pomeranian Provincial Sanitary Inspector (2015-2021) and Deputy Director of the regional Health Department. CEO of the Pomeranian Rheumatology Centre (2022, until joining Gdynia City Hall in 2024). For years, he taught health law and management at the Medical University of Gdańsk, WSB Merito, and others. Acted as an expert for the Business Centre Club, and the Pomeranian Employers healthcare forum.
Dr. Anke Butscher
Dr. Anke Butscher is Managing Partner at corsus-corporate sustainability and an expert in organisational sustainability. Holding a PhD in theories of democracy, governance and domination, she combines scientific expertise with practical experience in moderation, process support and sustainability strategy and evaluation.
She facilitates workshops, conferences and dialogue formats on all levels and with different stakeholder with clear structures, respectful dialogue and active inclusion of diverse perspectives.
She develops socially responsible supply chain strategies linking risk minimisation and human rights due diligence.
Prof. Hendrik Dankowski
Prof. Hendrik Dankowski has been a professor of Ship Design and Marine Environmental Protection at Kiel University of Applied Sciences (HAW Kiel) since the summer of 2020 and heads the Institute of Naval Architecture and Marine Technology.
Previously, he worked in the design departments of two shipyards, where he dealt with a variety of topics ranging from cost estimation and bid support to project design, stability calculations, and development activities for research projects.
Hendrik Dankowski previously conducted research at the TUHH at the Institute for Ship Design and Ship Safety, where he earned his Ph.D. in the field of numerical method development for calculating the sinking behavior of ships.
Ömer Faruk Demir
Ömer Faruk Demir is a management scientist and local government professional with expertise in public administration, finance, and corporate governance. His academic and professional work has focused on management sciences, environmental and climate issues, democracy and social media, gender equality, and urban transformation.
He currently serves as Deputy General Manager for Administrative and Financial Affairs at SAMULAŞ A.Ş., the public transportation company of Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, and is a Member of the Board of Directors of SAMGAZ A.Ş. Previously, he held senior financial management positions within Samsun Metropolitan Municipality.
Dr. Krishan Gairola
Dr. Krishan Gairola is an energy and environmental technology Engineer with a PhD in thermal process technology. He has extensive experience in moderation and event concepts, facilitation of trainings as well as in project development and management.
At corsus, he advises municipalities on sustainability strategies, on the implementation of sustainable procurement and designs stakeholder involvement. Her further conducts life cycle assessments for products and systems.
Dr. Krishan Gairola is intended for co-moderation and co-development of the moderation concept.
Marguerite Gouyou Beauchamps
A geographer by training, Marguerite Gouyou Beauchamps has spent 15 years researching and working on the social implications of digital technology, including new forms of social exclusion, opportunities for disadvantaged groups, and issues relating to media and information literacy.
She now works in the Education Department of the City of Brest, coordinating the ‘Science Comes to Town’ project with the local education programme to ensure that educators, children and young people get the most out of this European project.
Anton Iefanov
Anton Iefanov has served as Deputy Head of the Kherson City Military Administration since 2023 and as Director of the Kherson City Centre for Social Services since 2011. Holding Master’s degrees in Hydraulic Engineering, Ecology, and Public Administration, he combines scientific expertise with public sector leadership.
Since 2007, he has designed and managed evidence-based social and humanitarian programmes, including EU-funded projects supporting internally displaced persons and integrated systems to prevent domestic violence.
During the occupation of Kherson in 2022, he coordinated humanitarian assistance and crisis response. His work focuses on developing innovative, data-informed social services and strengthening resilience in war-affected communities.
Prof. Igor Jerković
Prof. Igor Jerković is vice-rector for science and quality at the University of Split. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (2017-2021; 2015-2017), vice-dean for research and international cooperation (2013-2015; 2011-2013), and vice-dean for finance (2009-2011; 2007-2009).
He is a co-author of a total of 210 scientific papers in journals represented in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases dealing the chemistry of natural products and he was the leader of several national projects. He is included in the lists of the 2% most influential scientists in the world according to the analysis of citations in the Scopus database.
Prof. Dr. Sören Kock
Doctor of Science Sören Kock is a full Professor of Management and Organisation. He is Dean of International Relations at Hanken School of Economics and responsible for Hanken´s campus in Vaasa.
He has earlier been Dean for Education and Dean of Executive Education. Currently he is responsible for Hanken’s partnership within the European University Alliance ENGAGE.EU.
For more than 20 years Kock has been a member, and some years chair, of the Vaasa Consortium for Higher Education -a platform for cooperation among the six universities in Vaasa. His main research interests are coopetition and strategy-as-practice.
Prof. Dr. Till Requate
Prof. Dr. Till Requate studied Mathematics, Physics, Philosophy and Sports Science at Bielefeld University, where he graduated in Mathematics and Philosophy in 1985. He earned a PhD in Economics in 1989 and completed his Habilitation in 1994.
After academic positions at Bielefeld, Oldenburg and Heidelberg, he has been Professor of Innovation Economics, Competition Policy and New Institutional Economics at Kiel University since 2002. His research focuses on environmental economics and policy as well as experimental economics.
Prof. Requate worked as a policy adviser for governments, NGOs and international organizations.
Dr. Johannes Rosenplänter
Dr. Johannes Rosenplänter has worked as an archivist and historian at the Kiel City Archives since 2006, heading the City and Maritime Museum, the City Archives and the 20th Century Workshop since 2021.
Since 2019, he has been developing a new city history centre called 'Stadtgeschichte hoch 3 (City History to the Power of 3)'. This project brought together the City Archives, the 20th Century Workshop and the Society for Kiel City History in new facilities, which opened in 2026.
Augustina Schick
Augustina Schick operates at the intersection of international politics, sustainability, and global governance. Alongside two master’s degrees in political science and international affairs, she brings hands-on experience from research, sustainability projects, and international organizations.
Her previous role at the World Future Council and her current work at corsus merge academic rigor with practical expertise in international governance, biodiversity, and sustainability consulting.
Dr. Susanna Slotte-Kock
Doctor of Science Susanna Slotte-Kock serves as the External Relations Coordinator for the City of Vaasa. She obtained her PhD from Hanken School of Economics in 2009.
She worked for several years at three of Vaasa’s six universities, giving her valuable insight into academia. This is essential to her present role, where she promotes not only international cooperation but also collaboration between the City of Vaasa and its universities.
Vaasa is recognised for its substantial cooperative initiatives, co-creative activities, and financial support extended to the universities.
Tiit Terik
Tiit Terik serves as Deputy Mayor of Tallinn for the second time, currently responsible for civil protection, urban planning, and municipal police and property. He is a former Minister of Culture of Estonia and has served as a Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Tallinn City Council.
He has also led the districts of Nõmme and Pirita and has a background in culture, community development and youth work. He is a member of the European Committee of the Regions and represents Estonia in United Cities and Local Governments.
Alke Voß
Alke Voß is Deputy Mayor of the City of Kiel and City Councillor for transformation, as her portfolio includes preparing the city for the impacts of climate change, advancing the decarbonization of the heating sector, and driving the mobility transition.
She is leading the planning of a new light rail system in Kiel and has a particular interest in developing innovative mobility solutions across the city’s waterways. While she enjoys sailing in her private life, she is professionally committed to strengthening public transport on water.
Before joining the City of Kiel, Alke Voß worked in various ministries of the State Government of Schleswig-Holstein.
Jai Wanigesinghe
Jai Wanigesinghe began his training as an animation artist in 2001 at the Animation School Hamburg, followed by a degree in film and media at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in 2009. While working for a communications agency in Hamburg, he discovered his passion for "graphic recording" and "explanatory illustrations.“
As a freelance illustrator and graphic recording artist he translates complex content into an accessible visual language and captures key points so that they can be shared beyond the event.
Dr. Barbara Weig
Dr. Barbara Weig has been working as an innovation manager at the Kiel Business Development Organisation since 2019, acting as a liaison between local industry and universities.
She studied Geography and Economics at the University of Mainz. She then spent six years in academia in the field of Economic Geography. Initially she worked as a university lecturer in Cologne before focusing on her PhD (Hamburg/ Geesthacht). She moved to Kiel in 2016, initially working on various international blue economy projects within the Submariner Network.
Dr. Samet Yilmaz
Dr. Samet Yilmaz has served as Mayor of Kiel since April 2026. With a background in public administration and political science, his professional expertise includes security policy, extremism prevention, and Middle East affairs.
After studying Political Science, Islamic Studies, and Public Law at Kiel University, he worked in state government administration. He earned a doctorate on Turkish foreign policy and political centralization and has also served as a member of Kiel City Council.
Dr. Yilmaz is married and the father of three children.