The University cooperates with a series of institutions in and around Osnabrück, working in many areas with both the City and County of Osnabrück. In many projects, University makes available its research and development skills and equipment to various regional economic undertakings, groups, and organizations. Mediators in this area is the Technology Contact Office.

The University of Osnabrück also provides a broad spectrum of lectures, exhibitions, and concerts for the citizens of the city and region. They are invited to actively participate in academic life by auditing courses. Along with the City, the University also initiated and organized the ”Osnabrück Friedensgespräche” (the Osnabrück peace talks).
In addition, many organizations and clubs — either initiated or supported by the University — help to weave together a web of science and praxis. For instance, employees of the University of Osnabrück work with both the Remarque and the Möser Societies, the Osnabrück Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft (the academic society), or contribute their knowledge to the Niedersächsische Kommunalforum (Lower Saxon community forum). The University’s largest support group is the Universitätsgesellschaft Osnabrück (Osnabrück university society).