About Joseph Weizenbaum

Our institute is named after the German-American computer science pioneer Joseph Weizenbaum (1923 - 2008). His examination of the relationship between computers and society as well as his call for the responsible use of technology are fundamental to the work of the Weizenbaum Institute: the critical exploration and constructive shaping of digitalization - for the benefit of society.

In 2014, the German government decided to establish a "German Internet Institute" to investigate the ethical, legal, economic and participatory aspects of the internet and digitalization. The research association from Berlin and Brandenburg impressed with its basic and interdisciplinary concept, and the institute was opened in Berlin in 2017.

When looking for a name that would fit well with the new institute's program, the focus quickly turned to Joseph Weizenbaum. The German-American computer science pioneer was not only instrumental in the development of the internet and artificial intelligence, but is also still considered one of the greatest and most influential critics of unreflective faith in technology. This informed, value-based criticism and Weizenbaum's call for a responsible approach to technology are a model for our work at the Institute.

With our interdisciplinary and basic research and diverse transfer formats, we want to help ensure that digitalization and networking are not only better understood, but can also be shaped responsibly.