Britta Oertel, M.A., holds a degree in Information Science and Geography of the Freie Universität Berlin. She has worked at IZT – Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment since 1993 and is head of department “ICT, Media & Communication”. Future studies and the analysis of new technologies in economy and society are at the centre of her work.
At present, research projects regarding the technology assessment of information, communication and location technologies, services and IT to spur energy efficiency, and the possibilities of the Internet to enhance the public sphere are the main foci of Britta Oertel’s research. The German Parliament, the Federal Ministry of Research, the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, and well-known foundations and enterprises count among her clients. Among her advisory activities is her membership of the recently founded consumer research network of the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection. Britta Oertel has published about 40 books and papers. She lectures at Freie Universität Berlin, Master in Future Studies, on how to integrate the needs and interests of societal stakeholders in futures studies (together with Michaela Wölk).

In Sessions as Chair: