Emergent IR Project

Novel, emerging topics with actively evolving knowledge bases are an integral part of dynamic human information ecosystems. As such topics are evolving, the information available is often sparse and uncertain. This can pose challenges for information systems such as search engines that aim to provide reliable information to their users, and for people who want to gain knowledge on such topics.

In this project, we want to design search systems that support people searching for information on emerging topics in gaining knowledge, being aware of the dynamic nature of information, and forming opinions responsibly.

With the research conducted in this project, we aim to contribute towards creating a healthy and emancipatory information ecosystem that prioritizes societal needs (e.g., informed citizenry, sustainable use of resources) and user needs (e.g., agency, transparency, effective knowledge gain).

This project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) - 548295069.