Expert Group on Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practice

The Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practice Unit is an interdisciplinary and multi-method unit that conducts evidence-based evaluations and research in the context of democracy promotion, extremism and anti-Semitism prevention, and political education. Our mission is to analyze, evaluate, and provide strategic advice on the impact, quality, and further development of government democracy programs—in particular the federal program “Demokratie leben!” (Live Democracy!) of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBFSFJ)—on a scientific basis.
We provide empirically and theoretically sound decision-making and management knowledge for politics and administration, develop innovative evaluation methods, and, as a bridge builder, promote knowledge transfer between science, civil society, and politics. In doing so, we work in accordance with international evaluation standards and professional guidelines of the German Evaluation Society (DeGEval) and the European Evaluation Society (EES), of which we are institutional members. 
The specialist group sees itself as a scientific authority on evaluation and transformative impact in the context of democratic social design. We combine scientific rigor with social responsibility—for a resilient and robust democracy. Our aim is to ensure scientific independence, transparency, impact, and social relevance.

Staff of the Expert Group on Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practice in July 2024
Staff of the Expert Group on Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practicein July 2024
“Democracy and social cohesion must be learned, lived, and protected. We examine whether and how projects that promote this learning achieve their goals and provide scientifically sound recommendations on how they can be further developed. In doing so, we promote the transfer of knowledge between civil society, academia, and politics.”
Dr. Mirjam Weiberg, Head of the Expert Group on Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practice

Dr. Mirjam Weiberg, Head of the Expert Group on Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practice
Dr. Olaf Kleist
Co-Head of the Expert Group on Democracy Promotion and Democratic Practice

  • Politics and administration – Evidence-based policy advice and management knowledge
    We produce well-founded impact assessments, monitoring reports, and quasi-experimental studies on the reach, target achievement, and effectiveness of democracy, prevention, and counseling programs. Based on continuous data collection (surveys, administrative data, logical models, qualitative surveys), we develop strategy and management knowledge for politics and administration. We produce thematic reports, policy briefs, short expert reports, and individual advisory papers for administrations and political decision-makers.
  • Civil society and practice – Scientific support and quality assurance We develop (partially) participatory evaluation approaches and support practice partners in empirical reflection, quality development, and self-evaluation processes. Through participant observation, case studies, workshops, training courses, and conferences, we integrate civil society's experiential knowledge into research and evaluation and strengthen the practical competence of those involved.
  • Science and research – Innovative methods and sociopolitical insights
    We explore socially relevant issues relating to the promotion of democracy, participation, prevention, counseling, and evaluation. We combine qualitative and quantitative methods (interviews, focus groups, surveys, experimental designs, digital tools) and further develop innovative, including digital, AI-supported, and (partially) participatory evaluation methods. We disseminate our findings through scientific publications, conferences, and international expert networks.

 

  • Exploration of the topic area of diversity design and the associated stakeholders with the aim of establishing the specialist group as a point of contact on issues of diversity and democracy (e.g. statement on the Democracy Promotion Act, various requests from civil society and political administration for input and expertise).
  • Establishment of the "Democracy" working group in the German Society for Evaluation (DeGEval) as an important platform for the exchange between science, practice and politics / administration as well as for participation in the joint project "PrEval" for the reflection and further development of evaluation approaches and methods.
  • Interim report with recommendations for the continuation and further development of the federal "Live Democracy!" program and associated exchange processes from 2023 onwards
  • Completion of the thematic focus series on shaping diversity and promoting democracy (in the form of reports and conferences on: 1) Target group orientation and achievement; 2) Working with those "affected" by discrimination; 3) Educational methods and approaches; 4) Transfer and organizational development).

 

Selection of key publications of the expert group

Department projects

Number of projects: 8

Department employees