Institutional practices Transfer code

Heidelberg University sees itself as tasked to render findings, knowledge and technologies usable for society and, at the same time, to take up societal needs in research and teaching. In so doing, it contributes to meeting the great challenges of humanity through bidirectional exchange. Transfer is a strategic goal in the disciplines of the comprehensive research university, with the purpose of generating a sustainable impact and added value in all areas of public life.
Innovations and transfer carried out by Heidelberg University and its members are based on the following principles.

Added value for society

For the university, transfer means bidirectional exchange. On the one hand, this inspires academia through practice-relevant ideas and societal challenges and, on the other, communicates research-based findings to address current challenges. The success of transfer activities, for the university, primarily takes its orientation from benefit for human beings, society and nature.

Ethical responsibility

Transfer activities must be designed to benefit people, society and nature. They shall meet high ethical standards and support a responsible, environmentally sound handling of resources. The impact of using technology must be continually assessed, starting early in the process.

Governance

University transfer activities are supported by transparent and effective governance structures with clearly defined responsibilities. These structures primarily serve to support transfer projects. All academics at Heidelberg University are committed to abide by laws, ordinances and rules, as well as the compliance regulations of their specialist disciplines. Conflicts of interest shall be avoided as far as possible and, if they occur, decided in accordance with the governance structures.

Transfer performance

The university takes into account and gives credit for transfer activities of its members as independent dimensions of achievement. Alongside research and teaching, transfer – as a university responsibility in its own right – is subject to its own performance and quality criteria.

Equal opportunity and diversity

The university promotes diversity and supports equality of opportunity for all members of the university in the shaping and implementing of transfer activities. Transfer activities by groups so far underrepresented in transfer are particularly encouraged through specific programs in the context of university structures.

Fairness

Transfer activities respect the imperative of mutual fairness and maximum transparency in dealings with partners from the scientific community, society and industry. Cooperation agreements shall be structured in such a way that they are to the advantage of all parties and jointly pursue the goal of added value for society.

Quality assurance

In order to guarantee good transfer practice, the university involves an independent advisory body – with internal and external members from different specialist areas and roles in society – in the strategic planning and evaluation of its transfer activities. This body supports the university in expanding transfer as a field of action, mediating in the event of conflict and assessing actions taken in the context of transfer activities, if necessary.

This code forms the basis for the university’s transfer strategy and intellectual property (IP) policy.