The Internet is changing society. And it’s also true that society is changing the Internet, through the choices we all make on the web every day.
For Google, the point at which the Internet and society intersect is fascinating. Seeing different perspectives and understanding cultural nuances is critical to how we develop our services.
That’s why, back in February 2011, our Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt that we would support the establishment of an Institute for Internet and Society in Berlin. So we’re pleased to report that this initiative is now gathering pace and that four highly renowned German research institutions have agreed to join with us in founding the Institute.
The Humboldt University (HU), the University of the Arts (UdK) and the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB) as founding partners will each provide a director, underpinning the Institute’s international and interdisciplinary credentials. The Hamburg Hans Bredow Institute (HBI) joins the Institute as a co-operation partner.
Each body will second a faculty member to the Institute. Together, they will provide new insights into how society interacts with the internet. The researchers, and their topic areas are:
Academic independence is a key founding principle of the Institute. The structure of the Institute and the credentials of the directors - and of the independent Scientific Advisory Board, currently being appointed - will ensure that this is upheld.
The founding team:
Prof. Schildhauer, Dr. Hofmann, Dr. Schulz, Prof. Pernice
The Institute will be officially opened in late October 2011, with an international symposium. Between now and then, there is much work to be done: contracts have to be finalised, rooms renovated, the research agenda formulated. We have found great institutions and great people as partners, and we think they will produce great results too. We hope to see you in October, and that you’ll follow the work of the Institute closely.
Posted by Max Senges, Google Policy, Germany
As an english speaking internet dweller from Berlin I wonder if there will be any job opportunities at the new institute. Where would one check for those?
ReplyDeletemost likely on their website, as soon as there are any https://sites.google.com/a/internetundgesellschaft.de/betasite/
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