Structure and organisation of the institute
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) is an independent, privately and publicly funded research institute whose work adheres to scientific quality standards and transparency rules. The founding partners – the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) and the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, along with its integrated cooperation partner the Leibniz-Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut in Hamburg – established the institute to research the development of the internet from multiple perspectives.
Governing body and supporters
The governing body of the institute is the Stiftung Internet und Gesellschaft comprised of the founding academic institutions as permanent members of the foundation board.
Over the years, in addition to the initial funding from GFI gGmbH (Google's funding company), the institute has gained many other sponsors, cooperation partners, and funding bodies (e.g., CISCO, KPMG, Hans Böckler Foundation, Commerzbank Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation) and has also acquired publicly funded third-party funds (e.g., BMFTR, BMWi, DFG, EU).
Since 2025, three non-profit foundations – the Joachim Herz Foundation, the Mercator Foundation, and the Science and Democracy Foundation – have been jointly funding the institute's strategic realignment.
Foundation Board
The Foundation Board is the supervisory body of the Stiftung Internet und Gesellschaft. It is composed of representatives of the founding partners (HU, UdK, and WZB), a representative of GFI gGmbH (Google's funding organisation), and prominent figures from academia and society. The Executive Board of the Internet and Society Foundation represents the foundation externally. The Executive Board officially represents the Stiftung Internet und Gesellschaft. Two academic directors of the HIIG gGmbH form the current Executive Board: Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Schildhauer and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz were appointed as chairmen.
Advisory Council, ombudsperson, guidelines
The Advisory Council advises the research agenda and critically evaluates the thematic focus of the institute and thereby helps to ensure the independence of the research. Next to the Advisory Council an ombudsperson and their deputy has been elected, who is a contact person for employees and researchers of the HIIG based on the suggestions for safeguarding good scientific practice at HIIG. In addition, we have jointly agreed on Ethics Guidelines by which the established "HIIG Research Ethics Committee" (REC) evaluates the ethical justifiability of research projects and may be consulted with regard to any potentially relevant questions.
Scientific lead
The scientific lead of the institute is determined by the academic directors, who represent the various scientific disciplines. They design the research agenda of the institute, arrange joint research projects and scientific events. The academic directors elect a speaker, who represents the institute on scientific matters to the wider public. They are supported by an administrative management team. Prof. Dr. Jeanette Hofmann is elected speaker of the HIIG. Managing director is Dr. Karina Preiß.
Research issues in focus
We will keep you regularly informed about our research activities and events.
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HIIG researches the development of the internet from a societal perspective in order to better understand the digitalisation of all areas of life.