EmergentIR 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 improve their understanding of such topics.

In the EmergentIR project, we want to design search systems that support people searching for information on emerging topics in improving their critical understanding of the available information, 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 learning).

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