Open topics
Bachelor Theses
| Topic | Supervisor |
Applications are closed for summer semester 2025.
Background In Germany, the heating supply accounts for over 50 % of total energy consumption and a significant proportion of CO2 emissions. With the ongoing climate crisis, the decarbonisation of the heat supply is a decisive factor for change and the achievement of climate targets. Unused potential lies in particular in the implementation of local heat networks (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, 2022). A major obstacle to this is the lack of data required for planning, which is typically not available at the beginning of the planning process or is difficult to collect. Research Gap Data donations by citizens can help to overcome this challenge. Data donations describe the active sharing of data by individuals, usually to promote public interest (Hartl et al., 2024). Previous research on data donations is largely based on the enquiry of hypothetical donation intentions, i.e. there is a lack of practical applications (Silber et al., 2022). In addition, despite the great potential of this approach for applications in the energy sector (Lee et al., 2024), there is little literature to date that deals with the donation of energy data. Thesis Goals Bachelor’s/Master’s theses on this topic are to find out which conditions and challenges need to be taken into account when implementing energy data donations. The aim is to gain practical insights that will pave the way for future research. Various approaches are conceivable, including, but not limited to:
Starting Date from Mai 2025, at least ~6 (Bachelor) / ~8 (Master) months before you plan to hand in and submit your thesis. Application Please send a detailed application including your specific topic idea, your CV and transcript of records. For students who are NOT studying WiWi/WINF: Please clarify in advance with the respective degree programme coordinator whether supervision by the chair is permitted. For example, this is often not possible for students from other faculties (TechFak, NatFak). References Hartl, P., Hassler, J., Manzke, L., Schmidbauer, E., Schnurr, D., & Tiefenbeck, V. (2024). Data Donations: Data Disclosure for the Common Good. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4969398 Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. (2022). Towards a green & digital future: Key requirements for successful twin transitions in the European Union. Publications Office. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/977331 Lee, D., Long, L. A. N., & Jansma, S. R. (2024). Data donation: Using the gift relationship framework to address privacy and environmental issues of energy consumption data collection. Energy Research & Social Science, 114, 103596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103596 Silber, H., Breuer, J., Beuthner, C., Gummer, T., Keusch, F., Siegers, P., Stier, S., & Weiß, B. (2022). Linking surveys and digital trace data: Insights from two studies on determinants of data sharing behaviour. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A (Statistics in Society), 185, S387–S407. https://doi.org/10.1111/rssa.12954 |
Leonie Manzke |
| Topic | Supervisor |
Applications are closed for summer semester 2025.
Background According to the extended mind hypothesis, human cognition extends beyond the brain and nervous system to the body and environmental tools (Clark & Chalmers, 1998). Using technological tools to facilitate cognitive processes is often referred to as “cognitive offloading.” Or “distributed cognition” (Risko & Gilbert, 2016). In the age of generative AI and its increasing capabilities, the possibilities for humans to offload energy- and time-consuming cognitive processes to AI are numerous and evolving rapidly. Research Gap In many human-AI collaboration scenarios, humans remain the “final authority” to accept or reject AI recommendations. Therefore, using AI for task completion not only necessitates controlling and monitoring one’s own cognitive processes (often referred to as metacognition) but also evaluating AI’s processes and outputs (Dunn et al., 2021; Tankelevitch et al., 2024). Despite the increasing metacognitive demands of generative AI and the relevance of accurate metacognition to prevent under-/overreliance on AI outputs, there is a lack of research investigating the role of human metacognition in (successful) Human-AI collaborations. Thesis Goals Bachelor’s and Master’s theses on this topic aim to investigate the dual role of metacognition: first, in the decision-making process of when to offload cognitive tasks to AI; and second, in how humans evaluate AI outputs once collaboration occurs. Research should explore how targeted interventions can be designed to enhance metacognitive accuracy during human-AI collaboration. The goal is to gain conceptual and empirical insights that will advance our understanding of human-AI cognitive partnerships and inform future design approaches. Research Approaches
Starting Date from August 2025, at least ~6 (Bachelor) / ~8 (Master) months before you plan to hand in and submit your thesis. Application Please send a detailed application including your specific topic idea, your CV and transcript of records. For students who are NOT studying WiWi/WINF: Please clarify in advance with the respective degree programme coordinator whether supervision by the chair is permitted. For example, this is often not possible for students from other faculties (TechFak, NatFak). Requirements
References Clark, A., & Chalmers, D. (1998). The Extended Mind. Analysis, 58(1), 7–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/58.1.7 Dunn, T. L., Gaspar, C., McLean, D., Koehler, D. J., & Risko, E. F. (2021). Distributed metacognition: Increased Bias and Deficits in Metacognitive Sensitivity when Retrieving Information from the Internet. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000039 Risko, E. F., & Gilbert, S. J. (2016). Cognitive Offloading. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(9), 676–688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2016.07.002 Tankelevitch, L., Kewenig, V., Simkute, A., Scott, A. E., Sarkar, A., Sellen, A., & Rintel, S. (2024). The Metacognitive Demands and Opportunities of Generative AI. Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642902 |
Laura Schneider |
| Topic | Supervisor |
Background According to the IPCC (2014), the transport sector is responsible for approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Local public transportation is considered a climate-friendly alternative to private cars and can significantly contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. Digital mobility applications are crucial in this effort, as they provide users with information about timetables, ticket prices, connections, and the latest updates, making it easier to utilize public transportation.However, many older adults, particularly those over the age of 55, face challenges when using these digital applications. Technological barriers, a lack of digital skills, and insufficient incentives often result in limited or no usage of these apps among this age group. This can complicate their use of public transport and negatively affect their travel experience. Research Gap Despite the growing importance of digital tools in the mobility sector, there has been little research to date that specifically addresses the perspective of older people on public transport apps. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about which factors motivate or inhibit this age group to use mobility apps and what influence this has on their decision to switch from car to public transport. Thesis Goals The aim of this thesis is to better understand how older adults (ages 55 and up) perceive the use of mobility apps in public transport and how to motivate them to utilize these tools more actively. The thesis will provide practical insights that can serve as a foundation for future research and user-centered app development. Several methodological approaches can be employed, including:
Starting Date As of now. Application Please send a detailed application including your specific topic idea, your CV and transcript of records. For students who are NOT studying WiWi/WINF: Please clarify in advance with the respective degree programme coordinator whether supervision by the chair is permitted. For example, this is often not possible for students from other faculties (TechFak, NatFak). References IPCC (2014). Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Retrieved from <http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/AR5_SYR_FINAL_All_Topics.pdf>. |
Sophie Kuhlemann |
Master Theses
| Topic | Supervisor |
Applications are closed for summer semester 2025.
Background In Germany, the heating supply accounts for over 50 % of total energy consumption and a significant proportion of CO2 emissions. With the ongoing climate crisis, the decarbonisation of the heat supply is a decisive factor for change and the achievement of climate targets. Unused potential lies in particular in the implementation of local heat networks (Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, 2022). A major obstacle to this is the lack of data required for planning, which is typically not available at the beginning of the planning process or is difficult to collect. Research Gap Data donations by citizens can help to overcome this challenge. Data donations describe the active sharing of data by individuals, usually to promote public interest (Hartl et al., 2024). Previous research on data donations is largely based on the enquiry of hypothetical donation intentions, i.e. there is a lack of practical applications (Silber et al., 2022). In addition, despite the great potential of this approach for applications in the energy sector (Lee et al., 2024), there is little literature to date that deals with the donation of energy data. Thesis Goals Bachelor’s/Master’s theses on this topic are to find out which conditions and challenges need to be taken into account when implementing energy data donations. The aim is to gain practical insights that will pave the way for future research. Various approaches are conceivable, including, but not limited to:
Starting Date from Mai 2025, at least ~6 (Bachelor) / ~8 (Master) months before you plan to hand in and submit your thesis. Application Please send a detailed application including your specific topic idea, your CV and transcript of records. For students who are NOT studying WiWi/WINF: Please clarify in advance with the respective degree programme coordinator whether supervision by the chair is permitted. For example, this is often not possible for students from other faculties (TechFak, NatFak). References Hartl, P., Hassler, J., Manzke, L., Schmidbauer, E., Schnurr, D., & Tiefenbeck, V. (2024). Data Donations: Data Disclosure for the Common Good. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4969398 Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. (2022). Towards a green & digital future: Key requirements for successful twin transitions in the European Union. Publications Office. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/977331 Lee, D., Long, L. A. N., & Jansma, S. R. (2024). Data donation: Using the gift relationship framework to address privacy and environmental issues of energy consumption data collection. Energy Research & Social Science, 114, 103596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2024.103596 Silber, H., Breuer, J., Beuthner, C., Gummer, T., Keusch, F., Siegers, P., Stier, S., & Weiß, B. (2022). Linking surveys and digital trace data: Insights from two studies on determinants of data sharing behaviour. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A (Statistics in Society), 185, S387–S407. https://doi.org/10.1111/rssa.12954 |
Leonie Manzke |
| Topic | Supervisor |
Applications are closed for summer semester 2025.
Background According to the extended mind hypothesis, human cognition extends beyond the brain and nervous system to the body and environmental tools (Clark & Chalmers, 1998). Using technological tools to facilitate cognitive processes is often referred to as “cognitive offloading.” Or “distributed cognition” (Risko & Gilbert, 2016). In the age of generative AI and its increasing capabilities, the possibilities for humans to offload energy- and time-consuming cognitive processes to AI are numerous and evolving rapidly. Research Gap In many human-AI collaboration scenarios, humans remain the “final authority” to accept or reject AI recommendations. Therefore, using AI for task completion not only necessitates controlling and monitoring one’s own cognitive processes (often referred to as metacognition) but also evaluating AI’s processes and outputs (Dunn et al., 2021; Tankelevitch et al., 2024). Despite the increasing metacognitive demands of generative AI and the relevance of accurate metacognition to prevent under-/overreliance on AI outputs, there is a lack of research investigating the role of human metacognition in (successful) Human-AI collaborations. Thesis Goals Bachelor’s and Master’s theses on this topic aim to investigate the dual role of metacognition: first, in the decision-making process of when to offload cognitive tasks to AI; and second, in how humans evaluate AI outputs once collaboration occurs. Research should explore how targeted interventions can be designed to enhance metacognitive accuracy during human-AI collaboration. The goal is to gain conceptual and empirical insights that will advance our understanding of human-AI cognitive partnerships and inform future design approaches. Research Approaches
Starting Date from August 2025, at least ~6 (Bachelor) / ~8 (Master) months before you plan to hand in and submit your thesis. Application Please send a detailed application including your specific topic idea, your CV and transcript of records. For students who are NOT studying WiWi/WINF: Please clarify in advance with the respective degree programme coordinator whether supervision by the chair is permitted. For example, this is often not possible for students from other faculties (TechFak, NatFak). Requirements
References Clark, A., & Chalmers, D. (1998). The Extended Mind. Analysis, 58(1), 7–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/58.1.7 Dunn, T. L., Gaspar, C., McLean, D., Koehler, D. J., & Risko, E. F. (2021). Distributed metacognition: Increased Bias and Deficits in Metacognitive Sensitivity when Retrieving Information from the Internet. Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.1037/tmb0000039 Risko, E. F., & Gilbert, S. J. (2016). Cognitive Offloading. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(9), 676–688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2016.07.002 Tankelevitch, L., Kewenig, V., Simkute, A., Scott, A. E., Sarkar, A., Sellen, A., & Rintel, S. (2024). The Metacognitive Demands and Opportunities of Generative AI. Proceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642902 |
Laura Schneider |
| Topic | Supervisor |
Background According to the IPCC (2014), the transport sector is responsible for approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Local public transportation is considered a climate-friendly alternative to private cars and can significantly contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. Digital mobility applications are crucial in this effort, as they provide users with information about timetables, ticket prices, connections, and the latest updates, making it easier to utilize public transportation. However, many older adults, particularly those over the age of 55, face challenges when using these digital applications. Technological barriers, a lack of digital skills, and insufficient incentives often result in limited or no usage of these apps among this age group. This can complicate their use of public transport and negatively affect their travel experience. Research Gap Despite the growing importance of digital tools in the mobility sector, there has been little research to date that specifically addresses the perspective of older people on public transport apps. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about which factors motivate or inhibit this age group to use mobility apps and what influence this has on their decision to switch from car to public transport. Thesis Goals The aim of this thesis is to better understand how older adults (ages 55 and up) perceive the use of mobility apps in public transport and how to motivate them to utilize these tools more actively. The thesis will provide practical insights that can serve as a foundation for future research and user-centered app development. Several methodological approaches can be employed, including:
Starting Date As of now. Application Please send a detailed application including your specific topic idea, your CV and transcript of records. For students who are NOT studying WiWi/WINF: Please clarify in advance with the respective degree programme coordinator whether supervision by the chair is permitted. For example, this is often not possible for students from other faculties (TechFak, NatFak). References IPCC (2014). Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Retrieved from <http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/AR5_SYR_FINAL_All_Topics.pdf>. |
Sophie Kuhlemann |