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Division Society at OFFIS
OFFIS – Institute for Information Technology
The Society department at OFFIS researches and develops technologies for societal good. The team members support health and well-being, reduce loneliness, strengthen digital literacy, foster democratic engagement, and promote inclusive digital participation with a broad variety of technologies such as phones, Virtual Reality or AI. The focus is on creating technology that is understandable, trustworthy, engaging, and inclusive. The Society department stands out through interdisciplinary collaboration, real-world user testing, and strong partnerships with public institutions and industry to achieve lasting societal impact.
Strengths of the research environment
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Early responsibility in interdisciplinary projects
Members collaborate across research groups, secure their own projects at an early stage and independently manage collaborations with external partners. -
Strong links between academia and industry
Close collaboration with the University of Oldenburg, international partnerships in Europe and the USA, and partners from industry and the public sector combine academic excellence with applied research. -
Diverse development opportunities for different career paths
The team brings together researchers and developers at all career stages with roles supporting scientific work, such as programming, IT architecture, laboratory management and technology transfer. -
Structured support and personal development
Weekly team and one-to-one meetings, annual retreats and monthly workshops with external coaches strengthen scientific skills as well as resilience, feedback and time management. -
Creative and open team culture
Formats such as the monthly "Digitopias" plenary session, a reading club, open Makers’ Lab activities, as well as board game and VR evenings, encourage exchange, a spirit of experimentation and collaborative learning. -
Visibility, recognition and working together as equals
Submitted and accepted publications are displayed prominently in the corridor, the daily communal lunch brings together staff from all levels of the organisation, and an open-door culture supports direct communication and flexible working.
Examples
A prime example of this unique research environment is the "Lounge Ecosystem", which innovatively combines creative idea generation, technical implementation and social interaction. In specially designed spaces – ranging from the Design Thinking Lounge to the Creator’s Lounge, the Holo Lab and the City Lounge – research ideas can be developed in an interdisciplinary manner, prototyped and, at the same time, integrated into teaching and the wider public sphere. This creates an inspiring environment that fosters innovation, collaboration and practical relevance in a unique way.
Contact persons
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Dr.-Ing. Nadine Wagener, Group manager of the PPC group , OFFIS – Institute for Information Technology, nadine.wagener@offis.de
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Simon Kimmel, Group Manager "Social Computing" R+D Division Society, Senior Researcher, OFFIS – Institute for Information Technology, simon.kimmel@offis.de
Address
OFFIS e. V.
Escherweg 2
26121 Oldenburg