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Dear friends and fellow researchers,
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To kick off 2025, we’re proudly launching encore 2024, our annual research magazine. It's more than a review of the year – it's a bold exploration of the contradictions and opportunities of digital transformation. Packed with insights from the past year, it promises to fuel the conversations of the future.
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Alongside our magazine, we’re excited to highlight a transformative new research endeavour and key collaborations shaping the future of technology, society and policy. From exploring the impact of AI initiatives to fostering dialogue on the Digital Services Act, our work continues to address the critical questions of our time. How can AI promote sustainability and fairness? What is needed to turn digital policy into tangible results? This Quarterly lets you know what’s been keeping us busy lately.
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Stay informed and inspired,
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Jeanette Hofmann | Björn Scheuermann | Thomas Schildhauer | Wolfgang Schulz |
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| Impact AI: New research project | |
We're delighted to announce our new project with Greenpeace and Economy for the Common Good. Our research team is aiming to develop a transdisciplinary methodology for auditing AI initiatives in terms of their societal and environmental impact. In 15 case studies, the team will be looking at how to assess the contribution of AI systems to sustainability and public interest initiatives. |
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| DSA Research Network: Circle of Friends | |
In our project, we are creating a unique space for multi-stakeholder collaboration on the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA). In recent months, we have invited a variety of representatives of NGOs, regulatory bodies and academic institutions to join the Circle of Friends of the DSA Research Network, the backbone of our project. Its first meeting was on the most critical emerging challenges related to DSA. |
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| Internet Policy Review: New partnership | |
Big news from the IPR! The Centre for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS) has joined us as co-editor of the Internet Policy Review. Founded by HIIG in 2012, the journal publishes international research on digital policy and is recognised as a leading publication in the field. By combining the complementary strengths of HIIG and CAIS, we’ll be able to expand the range of content. |
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| encore: Annual research magazine | |
In this year's issue, we take a deep dive into the contradictions of digital transformation. While AI promises efficiency, it also brings new challenges. Balancing technological progress with fundamental freedoms is crucial, as is meeting the growing demand for science communication amid growing hostility. Explore these questions and more in our magazine. |
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| Feels Fair: Unpacking AI decisions | |
In a world where AI is involved in sensitive decisions, such as who gets hired or promoted, we need to ensure fairness. Our zines explore how AI models are trained to make decisions, the complexities of measuring fairness and the deeper question: what does fairness actually mean? We encourage you to consider with us – is it even possible to calculate fairness? |
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| NoC 2024 Report: Highlights and insights | |
2024 was a vibrant year for the Global Network of Internet & Society Research Centers (NoC). This annual report highlights key activities from across the network, including spotlights on centre-level initiatives, a review of the secretariat’s work and an overview of contributions. It’s both a reflection on achievements and a map for the road ahead. |
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| HIIG BOOKSHELF | Further worthwhile publications | | |
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Empowering Futures: Spring School |
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What will it take to create the inclusive and diverse workplaces of the future? This spring school, which will be held in Delhi from 17 to 20 February 2025, will bring together female students with non-technical backgrounds from Bangladesh, Germany, India and Viet Nam. They will explore the transformative role of AI in shaping tomorrow's workforce. |
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| Train-the-trainer: Hostility towards science
Next workshop 18 March · Berlin | |
How can researchers be supported in dealing with hostility? Our KAPAZ project team is organising train-the-trainer workshops – starting on 18 March 2025 – for science communicators, press officers and managers. They will focus on providing strategies to help researchers respond to hostility, including hate speech and trolling. |
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| Girls' Day – Science in girls hands |
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, in cooperation with the Hacker School, is opening its doors and invites 20 girls to this year’s Girls’ Day at HIIG. They'll be able to gain an insight into the work of a research institute and have the opportunity to interview active researchers.
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| Beyond HIIG I Events that caught our eye | | |
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