Science needs the freedom to flourish. Only in this way can it work across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. We believe in interdisciplinary research from diverse cultures and perspectives. That is why we have established a space that goes beyond traditional universities and state research institutions.
The Foundation Internet and Society is a legally independent foundation under civil law. Our primary task is to provide the non-profit Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) with both intellectual and financial resources. Through this, HIIG is able to carry out its own projects, initiatives, and events directly and to support other non-profit institutions.
DNA
What defines us
Excellent interdisciplinarity
Our research is characterised by an agile, thematically open, and dynamic approach that is oriented towards longer-term programmatic questions. We quickly identify topics and conduct studies on topics from AI to zero emissions policies.
Participatory knowledge production
We’ve been practising innovative formats such as research sprints, clinics, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and citizen participation since 2011. We have extensive experience in managing complex knowledge processes and delivering results.
Creative outreach and public engagement
We are curious about new forms of knowledge transfer and its perpetuation, so we’re constantly reinventing scientific communication with policymakers, business, and civil society through podcasts, multimedia exhibitions, hackathons, and more.
Collaborative environment
We provide opportunities for researchers from diverse backgrounds at all career stages, enabling them to freely exchange ideas and generate the essential dynamics crucial for technological innovation in the digital society.
Knowledge production
How we work
Research sprints
We tackle current societal problems with international experts in a limited timeframe to produce decision-making knowledge in the form of recommendations for public and political debates.
Research clinics
In a short-term and intensive exchange between researchers and practitioners, participants generate innovative research findings in order to solve problems in day-to-day work in the context of digitalisation.
Multi-stakeholder dialogues
We bring together politicians, practitioners, scientists and civil society players. Guided by our project teams, they define visions and conditions to enable social well-being in the digital age.
Citizen participation
Collaboration between researchers and the public is of the utmost importance. We invite citizens to actively participate in scientific work and to support us in solving urgent problems.
Public engagement
How we communicate
AI compass
Become an AI expert in this card game and find out which problems can really be solved by AI systems.
twentyforty
An essay competition and an exhibition exploring thirteen utopias for the digital society.
Smart city laboratory
An action workshop for citizen participation to develop ideas on measures to improve the city’s air quality
Knowledge exchange :// digitalisation
A database, an online collection of digitalisation projects spanning all sizes, sectors and approaches.
Making sense of the futures
A toolbox with 6 interactive exercises.
Public interest AI
Explore the interface of public interest AI projects with an interactive world map.
encore
Our annual magazine on internet and society research.
Making sense of the digital society
A lecture series on the current transformation processes from an European perspective.
Join us on our mission and be part of making the difference.