The KD²Lab at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of the world’s largest computer-based experimental laboratories.

Since its opening in 2016, it has evolved into a central facility for Human Subject Research and interdisciplinary experimental science at KIT – driven by the vision of Science for Impact.

Karlsruhe Decision & Design Lab (KD²Lab)

The DFG-funded Karlsruhe Decision & Design Lab (KD²Lab) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is among the world’s largest computer-based experimental laboratories.
With its state-of-the-art infrastructure for economic, neuro-, and psychophysiological experiments, the KD²Lab provides ideal conditions for interdisciplinary top-level research in the areas of human decision-making, human–machine interaction, and social interaction.

In line with KIT’s mission “Science for Impact,” the KD²Lab generates scientific insights that foster research and innovation and deepen our understanding of human behavior and intelligent systems.

History

The idea for the KD²Lab emerged in 2009 as a joint initiative by the research groups of Professors Albers, Ehrhart, Ebner-Priemer, Puppe, Satzger, Schultz, Seifert, Stork, and Weinhardt, along with Dr. Hey and Dr. Adam.

With support from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the State of Baden-Württemberg, the laboratory was established at the Kronenplatz in Karlsruhe. Its official opening took place in April 2016.

Since then, the KD²Lab has evolved into a central facility for interdisciplinary experimental research and serves as the home of the DFG-funded Research Training Group KD²School. Over the years, the lab has built an extensive network of collaboration partners.

Current Leadership

• Prof. Dr. Petra Nieken – Speaker of the KD²Lab (since 2024)
• Prof. Dr. Christof Weinhardt – Co-Speaker
• Dr. Leon Houf – Operational Management
• Bianca Konecny – Administrative Support
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Former Team Members

Dr. Anke Greif-Winzrieth (Lab Management 2020–2024),
Prof. Dr. Verena Dorner (Lab Management 2014–2020),
Prof. Dr. Jella Pfeiffer (Lab Management 2014–2018),
Dr. Martin Schmidt (Lab Management 2015–2018),
Dr. Dominik Jung (Support 2015–2018),
Felix Andres (Technical Support 2017–2020),
Pascal Makowski (Technical Support 2016–2019),
Sebastian Englert (Technical Support 2014–2017)

Current Development Phase

Since 2023, Prof. Dr. Petra Nieken has been leading the KD²Lab and is driving its scientific and technological advancement.
The current focus lies on the strategic expansion of infrastructure, establishing the KD²Lab as a central facility for Human Subject Research at KIT, and on pioneering research into hybrid adaptive systems.