From June 22 to 24, 2026, experts from the BILAD Network—drawing from educational research and museum practice—gathered at DASA Dortmund for an intensive and inspiring exchange.
In addition to an introduction to DASA and its exhibitions, the program included a presentation of a 4E Cognition tool for exhibition design developed by a doctoral candidate. The participants discussed how insights from 4E Cognition can be applied to the planning and further development of exhibitions.
Another focus was the exchange with the curators of the planned exhibition on the topic of sleep. The discussions provided exciting insights into current conceptualization processes and the connection between research and exhibition practice. In addition, a joint 4E-Cognition paper was discussed, and the future and further development of the network were addressed.
The meeting was marked by stimulating discussions, new perspectives, and a distinctly collegial atmosphere. With perfect summer weather, the evenings spent together—including at a beer garden at a Dortmund brewery—provided an opportunity to continue the conversations and deepen personal connections.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to DASA Dortmund for their hospitality and to Experimenta for their administrative support. We look forward to continued collaboration and the next steps of the BILAD network.
