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KILA

Knowledge Lab: Information Literacy and Accessibility
Logo: Knowledge Lab Information Literacy and Accessibility (KILA)

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An interdisciplinary research lab at the University of Hildesheim, exploring the dynamics of information, technology, and social participation in the digital age.
 
 

KILA is part of the profile area ‘AI in Everyday Life’.

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The Knowledge Lab offers a variety of opportunities for academic collaboration, early-career research, and student involvement.

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The Knowledge Lab regularly hosts academic events and contributes to public discourse on information literacy, accessibility, and digital transformation.

  • Upcoming events
  • Collaborations
  • Recent publications and projects
  • Calls for papers and research opportunities
News

Visiting scholar Prof. Dr. Antje Michel (planned January 2026).
Professor of Information Didactics and Knowledge Transfer
Fachhochschule Potsdam
University of Applied Sciences

The research activities of Prof. Dr. Antje Michel focus on the following areas

  • Competence development in dealing with information in an increasingly digital information and communication environment
  • Concepts and methods of transdisciplinary and participatory research
  • Concepts and methods of knowledge transfer
  • Scientific socialisation

Homepage: www.fh-potsdam.de/en/university-career/people/antje-michel

Current Projects
Publications
  • Michel, A., & Griesbaum, J. (2025). Forschungsperspektiven zu KI, Informationsverhalten und Informationskompetenz. Kurzbericht über einen Workshop auf der internationalen Konferenz für Informationsverhaltensforschung ISIC 2024.
    Bibliothek – Forschung und Praxis 2025, doi.org/10.1515/bfp-2024-0081
  • Griesbaum, J., Michel, A., Dreisiebner, S., Gäde, M., & Wittich, A. (2024). "19: Information literacy: concepts, research, and promotion".
    In Handbook On Information Sciences. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing, doi.org/10.4337/9781035343706.00026

About the Knowledge Lab

The Knowledge Lab: Information Literacy and Accessibility (KILA) is an emerging interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Hildesheim. It addresses the fundamental challenges and opportunities posed by digital transformation, multilingual communication, and social participation in contemporary knowledge societies.

The lab investigates how information is accessed, structured, mediated, and made usable – particularly in the context of rapid technological developments such as artificial intelligence and the increasing heterogeneity of users. Drawing on perspectives from information science, linguistics, translation studies and accessibility research, it explores the multimodal and intercultural dimensions of information practices.

As a collaborative and cross-departmental initiative, the Knowledge Lab provides an academic environment for innovative research and teaching, and contributes to the university's strategic development in the areas of digitalisation, diversity, and social responsibility. Information science, translation, technical communication, accessible communication, intercultural communication and science communication professors are working together on an interdisciplinary approach to information literacy and accessibility in relation to AI, multilingualism and cultural heterogeneity. The Lab will be supported through the creation of several new professorships in thematically aligned fields.


What is the Knowledge Lab?

The Knowledge Lab is a cross-disciplinary research initiative at the University of Hildesheim. It addresses the dynamics of digital communication, knowledge systems, and information accessibility by bringing together expertise from three interrelated fields:

  • Intercultural Communication
  • Information Science & Language Technology
  • Translation Studies & Specialised Language

The Knowledge Lab fosters collaborative research, teaching, and innovation in these areas and supports inclusive and sustainable digital development.

Research Fields

The KILA includes research on:

  • Information behavior
  • Information Literacy
  • AI & language technologies
  • Knowledge Systems & Infrastructures
  • Digital communication tools
  • Translation
  • Multimodal communication
  • Specialised language use
  • Multilingual and cross-cultural communication in digital contexts
  • Authentic interpersonal communication — written, verbal, and through the media
  • Domain-specific communication: health, education, politics
Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication explores how cultural, social, and linguistic diversity influences understanding, participation, and information practices. This research field addresses global knowledge flows, participation, and communication across difference in increasingly hybrid digital spaces. Furthermore, it encompasses all types of communication under conditions of diversity, including those within one society.

→ to the institute "Institut für Interkulturelle Kommunikation"
 

Information Science & Language Technology

Information Science examines how data, information, and knowledge are created, structured, retrieved, and used in both human and machine contexts. This area engages with topics such as information literacy, artificial intelligence, multimodal search, and digital infrastructures.

→ to the institute "Institut für Informationswissenschaft & Sprachtechnologie"
 

Translation Studies & Specialised Language

This area focuses on multilingual communication, knowledge transfer, and accessibility in digital and professional contexts. Research topics include translation in hybrid environments, specialised language, accessible communication, and language technologies. The field explores how translation enables participation and shapes access to knowledge in a globalised world.

→ to the institute "Institut für Übersetzungswissenschaft & Fachkommunikation"
 

Development

We propose a shift towards a future where information access is characterized by equitable distribution, inclusive participation, and critically informed engagement. The Knowledge Lab aims to contribute to a society in which individuals are empowered to navigate, evaluate, and co-create information in complex digital environments.

Prospective Research

  • To explore how technological developments, especially AI, transform information practices and knowledge structures
  • To develop inclusive, multilingual, and multimodal communication tools
  • To promote accessibility and participation for diverse user groups
  • To support the development of information and digital literacy skills in academic and public contexts
  • To contribute to socially responsible digital transformation

Structure and People

The Knowledge Lab integrates multiple departments and research units at the University of Hildesheim. It is being developed through the appointment of new professorships as well as the expertise of existing faculty members in thematically relevant fields. The lab is focused on interdisciplinary research. Collaboration across faculties and with external partners ensures a dynamic and forward-looking research environment.

Collaboration / Contact

Professors

  • Bettina Lindner-Bornemann
    Professorin Dr. Bettina Lindner-Bornemann
    Lübecker Str. 3, 31141 Hildesheim
    BC.L.1.09
    +49 5121 883 30710
    +49 5121 883 30711
    Homepage
    Nachricht schreiben

Young Researcher

  • Sergio Andres Hernández Garrido
    Sergio Andres Hernández Garrido
    BC.L.0.13
    Di., 09:00 - 11:00 Uhr n. Anmeldung per Mail/ vorlesungsfreie Zeit: Nach Vereinbarung per Mail
    +49 5121 883-30918
    Homepage
    Nachricht schreiben

Contact

University of Hildesheim

KILA Board:
kila(at)uni-hildesheim.de

Professors:
Prof. Dr. Joachim Griesbaum
Prof. Dr. Bettina Lindner-Bornemann
Prof. Dr. Christiane Maaß

Young Researcher:
Dr. Sergio Hernández Garrido
Dr. Nicola Hoppe