Bringing digitalisation research closer together: Network meets in Hamburg

The digital transformation of society raises fundamental questions for policymakers, academics and the general public. Since 2021, several research institutions in Germany have been collaborating within the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD) to investigate the conditions, forms and consequences of this transformation in an independent and interdisciplinary manner. The network draws on the distinct profile and complementary strengths of each institution to address shared academic and societal issues in a coordinated manner.

The annual meeting, which took place on 23 and 24 April in Hamburg and was hosted by the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute (HBI), centred on key areas for future collaboration. These included open science and licensing, successful interdisciplinary research in the context of digitalisation, futurology and transdisciplinary approaches.

Working groups focusing on early-career researchers, career development, science communication, interdisciplinarity and administration discussed potential collaborations and future priorities. A wide range of topics were covered in the agenda, including study findings on improving interdisciplinary collaboration in digitalisation research, new research and infrastructure initiatives, and issues relating to profile development and new academic formats.

The next network meeting will be held in Berlin in 2027 to celebrate the Weizenbaum Institute’s tenth anniversary.

About the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD)

Since 2021, the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD) has brought together Germany’s leading institutions conducting interdisciplinary research into the social, political, and technological implications of digital transformation. Members of the network include the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG), the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt), the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI), the Weizenbaum Institute, and the Centre for Responsible Digitalisation (ZEVEDI). The network is strengthening its cooperation, knowledge exchange and joint initiatives in order to raise the profile and impact of digitalisation research in Germany.

Press Contact

Frederik Efferenn | Tel. +49 30 200 760 82 | presse@hiig.de

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) researches the development of the internet from a societal perspective to better understand the digitalisation of all areas of life. As Germany’s first research institute focused on Internet and Society, HIIG emphasises embedding digital innovations within social processes. Based on its interdisciplinary expertise and as part of the Global Network of Interdisciplinary Internet & Society Research Centers, HIIG seeks to develop a European response to the challenges of digital transformation.