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Human subject research is defined as scientific investigation—observational or interventional—conducted with human participants. It is essential for generating scientific knowledge that directly addresses human needs, behavior, and decision-making.
Unlike studies based solely on models or non-human subjects, human subject research offers insights that can be applied immediately to real-world social and economic challenges. It enables researchers to develop evidence-based practices, identify risk factors, and design effective interventions that improve individual and societal well-being.
The Human Subject Research Hub at KIT connects cutting-edge technology research with real human needs and behavior, creating knowledge that is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant. By addressing pressing societal challenges, it positions KIT as a leader in “Science for Impact,” advancing research that contributes to meaningful change.
The Human Subject Research Hub has launched its first modular, online certificate courses covering core principles and methods in human subject research. Several courses—including Introduction to Human Subject Research, Open Science in HSR, and Human-centered Design with Human Subjects—are now available via ILIAS.
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KIT hosted the 1st “Human Subject Research for Impact” Symposium, bringing together researchers from across disciplines to discuss how human subject research can be advanced responsibly and with impact.
The event marked the launch of the Human Subject Research Hub (HSR Hub), which will serve as the academic backbone at KIT for advancing knowledge and processes in human subject research, as well as the conclusion of the Future Field III project on Decision-Making in Hybrid Adaptive Systems.
A central highlight of the symposium was the keynote by Prof. Achim Wambach, PhD, President of ZEW, entitled “Attention, Overconfidence and Trust – Shaping Markets and Organisations through Co-design”. His presentation provided powerful insights into behavioral mechanisms shaping markets and organizations and demonstrated the value of human subject research for impactful research.
The symposium underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and open science and set a strong foundation for developing human subject research at KIT.
With the start of the Strategy Funds Project “Human Subject Research Hub” the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is setting a new milestone in advancing human subject research. The project aims to establish a central hub for human subject research at KIT, fostering collaboration across disciplines and strengthening research involving human participants. The projects officially started in July 2025 and runs two years. The project is headed by Prof. Alexander Maedche (Institute for Information Systems, WIN) and Prof. Petra Nieken (Institute for Management, IBU).