From 9 to 11 January 2026, the official kick-off meeting of the newly launched research project "Shaping transitions - building bridges to school participation for and with pupils with illnesses (BRÜCKEN)" took place. Together with over 30 institutions from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the central objectives, working structures and next steps of the project, which is funded by the Swiss foundation Movetia, were planned.

Our specialist group was already involved in the previous project and will also play an active role in BRÜCKEN. The focus of our contribution, led by Prof. Dr Annett Thiele, is the qualitative survey of the perspectives and experiences of teachers and hospital school teachers in the transition between hospital school and general school. Alica Gärtner is involved in the realisation of the project as a research assistant. It is important to us to involve practitioners in the research process.

The introductory weekend was characterised by intensive exchange, lively discussions between science and school practice as well as valuable personal encounters. We look forward to the next steps in the project!