Lab for social informatics

The Lab for Social Informatics at Heilbronn University merges academic expertise, industry insights, and societal perspectives to drive gender-responsive innovation with a strong focus on inclusivity. Through its feminist living lab methodology, the lab employs co-creation, participatory research, and user-centered design to tackle social and technological issues—ranging from AI to digital inclusion. A multi-stakeholder governance model unites academic leaders, funders, civic organizations, municipalities, and tech companies, ensuring collaborative decisions and shared responsibility. The lab’s interdisciplinary team includes researchers, project managers, designers, and community engagement specialists, all working to scale methods for societal impact. Equipped with mobile maker spaces, behavioral research facilities, and advanced data analysis tools, the Lab for Social Informatics conducts real-world experiments in diverse contexts, from startups to urban neighborhoods. Funded largely by federal grants, the lab addresses gender inequality, ethical AI design, and broader innovation challenges.

Areas of work:

• AI and Emerging technologies
• Environment/climate change
• Gender
• Health and Well Being
• Mobility
• Research
• Smart Cities and Regions
• Social Innovation & Inclusion
• Water (Blue economy)