The Knowledge Orchard - take the next step for your inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration

On 28 November 2025, Leiden University and PLNT Leiden will host “The Knowledge Orchard” - an event aimed at starting up/ enhancing interdisciplinary cooperation between academics at Leiden University, and improving collaboration between Leiden researchers and external partners in research and education.

Leiden University colleagues, municipalities, provinces, societal partners: pick the fruits of inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration!

In The Knowledge Orchard, you'll find what you need to advance your inter- or transdisciplinary work. For a day,you can wander through our lush garden and pick the fruits of knowledge, support and networks available inside and outside Leiden University. This event is aimed at:

Morning - Leiden University employees

Whether you are a researcher, lecturer or support worker - in our morning programme, the Knowledge Orchard will offer you new insights, contacts, practical tips and support to further your interdisciplinary work.

The language of the morning programme is English.

Afternoon - Representatives from municipalities, provinces, civil society partners and Leiden University staff

Collaboration between researchers and other parties in society is not always easy. For instance, desired outcomes and mutual expectations may differ. Starting and continuing sustainable cooperation also takes time and trust. How can we best help each other, what practical steps can we take? The Knowledge Orchard aims to answer these questions and provide participants with concrete follow-up steps.

The working language of the afternoon programme is Dutch.

The sessions in the morning and afternoon programme of The Knowledge Orchard have four different “flavours”:

1) Enhancing knowledge
2) Gaining practical support and tools
3) Inspiring
4) Networking