The Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien is a non-profit, non-university research institute and member of the Leibniz Association. We explore empirically how people acquire, apply, impart and exchange knowledge through digital media. Our focus lies on the cognitive, motivational, emotional, and social processes involved in using digital media within the context of social and technical developments. As we analyze these processes, we also address the inherent potential and risks for human experience and behavior.

Scientists from different disciplines, such as psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computer science, linguistics and communication science, contribute basic research expertise at the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien in order to answer questions relevant for practice and society. With this multi-faceted perspective we are able to address multilayer research objects comprehensively and translate them into questions we can research empirically. Together with our co-operation partners from various scientific disciplines and from diverse fields of practice, we make our research results accessible to a broad range of potential users.

We would like to establish ourselves as an international leader in our field of research. We make progress and gain visibility in the scientific field through a successful mix of established and innovative topics and methods.

Qualified, highly motivated employees in research and service are our most valuable capital and the basis for our performance in the institute as a whole.

We are committed to equal opportunity and the reconciliation of work and family life. We provide the best possible conditions in order to support our employees both professionally and personally in the best possible way.

We communicate transparently and proactively as equals and strive to create an appreciative, respectful and pleasant working environment. Personal integrity, open-mindedness as well as tolerance and fairness in how we deal with each other are the values that characterize our institute across all hierarchy levels.

In our work we define ourselves by our adherence to the following values and motives:

1. We strive for scientific excellence in application-oriented, basic research.
2. We aim at gaining knowledge relevant to current societal needs and practice. Here we focus on five fields of application: School, university, museum, knowledge work, and internet usage.
3. We consider scientific evidence to be the basis of our communication with the scientific community, stakeholders from the practice, and the general public.
4. We do independent research and are committed to the highest ethical standards for research.
5. We reflect upon the implications of our findings with respect to human beings’ self-determination and maturity.
6. We place high value on supporting young researchers, providing equal opportunities, and reconciling work and family life.