We are one of six interdisciplinary research institutions that form the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD) in Germany. Through our institutional and content diversity, we aim to promote competition and opportunities for collaboration, as well as contribute to the quality and innovation of digitalisation research.
The digital transformation of society is one of the great challenges of our time. There is a particularly high need for independent and interdisciplinary research with a long-term orientation in order to fundamentally analyze and help shape the diverse conditions, forms, and consequences of digital transformation. Several interdisciplinary research institutions in Germany are contributing to this effort. They have been working closely together since 2021 and have founded the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD).
The participating institutions in the network are:
- Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
- Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation
- Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)
- Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI)
- Weizenbaum Institute (WI)
- Centre Responsible Digitality (ZEVEDI)
Each institution in the network has its own profile and specific research focus. This institutional and thematic diversity promotes competition and opportunities for cooperation, thereby contributing to quality and innovation in digitization research. A compatibility mechanism within the network enables exchanges at the administrative level regarding key research areas to utilize synergies.
Networking meetings are held annually at partner institutions on a rotating basis. These meetings facilitate exchanges at various levels, from institutional management to individuals responsible for specific sub-areas such as communication, transfer, and research infrastructure.
Objectives of the Network
The network promotes cooperation between partners. This includes cross-network cooperation and collaboration between individual partners.
This includes:
- Exchange of experiences in interdisciplinary digitization research
- Joint representation of interests in digitization research
- Exploring and initiating collaborations in research projects
- Collaborations in the areas of transfer, dialogue, and science communication
- Supporting interdisciplinary careers through joint events (Digisem, Digimeet), a qualification program, and an exchange program for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers
Additional objectives of the network are
- Joint applications for third-party funded projects
- Joint statements on digital and science policy
- Consideration of partner institutions’ perspectives in political committees
- Improving the national and international visibility of the institutions and their research results
- Joint initiatives to improve data availability
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