What happens when research meets politics, media, and the public? INSIGHTS, a four-year knowledge transfer project at the Berlin School of Economics (BSoE), has precisely built this bridge – noticeably boosting the exchange between science, decision-makers, and society.
The INSIGHTS project at the Berlin School of Economics (BSoE) successfully promoted the communication and transfer of economic research between academia, policymakers, the media, and the public. By building bridges across these communities, the four-year science transfer project has fostered informed debates and supported evidence-based policymaking. Moreover, young researchers have been trained in science communication and knowledge transfer. Funded by the Leibniz Association and jointly led by the WZB and DIW, INSIGHTS included all Berlin School of Economics institutions and the DIW.
Prof. Dr. Dorothea Kübler, co-leader of INSIGHTS, Director of the WZB’s “Market Behavior” department, and Professor of Experimental Economics at TU Berlin, highlights the project's importance: “Communicating research effectively is crucial — not only to stimulate public discourse and inform policy decisions but also to create transparency about the reasons for certain policies. Successful science communication requires timely, clear, and concise messages based on sound research, while also explaining uncertainties and limitations.”
Prof. Dr. Peter Haan, co-leader of INSIGHTS, head the department Public Economics at DIW Berlin, and Professor of Empirical Economics at FU Berlin, adds: “We aim to maintain the structure and training specifically for young researchers in Berlin. We will integrate important elements into the curriculum of the BSoE and will continue to encourage to engage in transfer activities.”
INSIGHTS had two main pillars:
Key activities of INSIGHTS included:
As the INSIGHTS project comes close to its end, its measures to foster transfer and to train the next generation of science communicators have been integrated into the Berlin School of Economics.
The INSIGHTS Summit on June 18 marks the grand finale of this journey – a celebration of dialogue, exchange, and the impact of research. Designed as a cross-sectoral forum, the event brings together researchers, policymakers, media professionals, and the public to reflect on four years of knowledge transfer and to explore what successful science communication can look like in practice. Through interactive panels, short-format presentations, and a live podcast, the Summit highlights how economic research can inform public debate, inspire policy decisions, and strengthen trust in science. It’s a space for connection, reflection, and looking ahead – together.
