Judith Faßbender

Judith Faßbender serves as an associated researcher at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) in the AI & Society Lab and as a visiting lecturer at the Cologne International School of Design (KISD), focusing on the societal dimensions of artificial intelligence through the Ministry of Education and Research-funded Public Interest AI project.

Her academic background includes:

• Bachelor of Design from Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle and Design Academy Eindhoven
• Master of Cultural and Communication Sciences (minor in Economics) from Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen
• PhD Candidate in Computer Science at the University of St Andrews researching Design Patterns for Participatory Data Governance

Her research critically examines Public Interest AI through participatory frameworks, emphasizing:

• Design patterns for transparent and auditable AI systems
• Integration of civil society actors in AI ethics deliberations
• Motivations driving participation in data governance projects
• Societal implications of explainable AI development

She bridges technical AI development with democratic processes, advocating for community-centered approaches to responsible innovation.

Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications reveals consistent interdisciplinary focus on operationalizing public interest in AI. Key trajectories include mapping participatory motivations in data projects (2024), deconstructing AI hype in civic contexts (2023), and developing design patterns for accountable systems (2021). Her work synthesizes computer science, social theory, and design to create practical governance frameworks for sociotechnical AI deployment.

Funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, she contributes to the Public Interest AI project while collaborating with Fraunhofer and Zeppelin University on civic technology initiatives. She actively co-organizes workshops and events like Girls' Day and D³ Kongress to foster dialogue between technologists, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders.

Embedded in HIIG's AI & Society Lab, she collaborates with the Civic Coding Initiative and participates in international forums including re:publica and EASST/4S conferences. Her work emphasizes community-driven approaches to ensure AI systems serve democratic values and public welfare through participatory design methodologies.