To what extent should research drive social change? This question is explored in the article ‘Transformative Research: A Tightrope Walk’, published on 26 August 2026 in the journal diskurs by researchers from the TRAWOS Institute and the University of Siegen. Among the co-authors is Nadine Jukschat, Deputy Director of the TRAWOS Institute and Project Leader of the BePart research project.

The article highlights the changing role of the social sciences, which are no longer merely expected to examine social developments but are increasingly called upon to actively support processes of change. The BePart research project, carried out by the TRAWOS Institute, demonstrates just how heavily such processes depend on the specific local conditions. Different local structures and perspectives require different approaches and forms of participation. Transformative research brings with it both new opportunities and challenges. It can challenge existing viewpoints, reveal hidden perspectives and initiate participatory processes. However, political mandates and the increasing pressure to demonstrate concrete impacts can influence academic independence. The researchers therefore emphasise how important it is to critically reflect on one’s own role and the potential implications of the research.