Lars Kilian

Lars Kilian is a Researcher at the German Institute for Adult Education - Leibniz Centre for Lifelong Learning (DIE) in Bonn, where he serves as Editor-in-Chief of wb-web, a portal for teachers of adult and continuing education. His academic career spans multiple German institutions with a focus on adult education research and digital learning methodologies.

Dr. Kilian earned his doctorate (Dr. phil.) from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, a Diploma in Educational Sciences with a focus on adult education and educational planning from the University of Erfurt, and a first state examination in primary school teaching for mathematics and art education from the Erfurt University of Education.

His research interests center on teaching and learning with digital media in higher education settings, competence-oriented didactic approaches, and quality development/school development. His work explores how digital technologies transform pedagogical practices and institutional structures in adult education. He has particular expertise in e-learning frameworks, competence development models, and the integration of digital media into educational practice.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward digital transformation in adult education, with increasing focus on national education platforms, open educational resources (OER), artificial intelligence applications, and pandemic-driven shifts to remote learning. His work demonstrates a consistent concern with practical implementation challenges, user experiences, and the development of sustainable digital learning ecosystems within adult education contexts.

Dr. Kilian serves in multiple leadership capacities including as Treasurer of the Society for Media in Science (GMW) since 2016, Member of the Steering Committee for Digitalization in Further Education for the Ministry of Culture and Science in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2019, and Advisory Board member for OERinfo/DIPF since 2023. His wb-web portal has become a significant resource for adult educators seeking professional development.

He leads the Portals Team at DIE and contributes to multiple national initiatives focused on digitalization in adult education, including the National Education Platform development and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) quality development. His collaborative work extends across institutional boundaries to connect research with practice in adult education settings.