Astrid Gynnild

Astrid Gynnild is a Professor at the Department of Information and Media Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway. She is also the Principal Investigator of the ViSmedia project and Head of the Journalism Program. Her work bridges journalism innovation, pedagogy, and ethical technology use in media.

Education & Background:

• PhD in Journalism and Media Studies (2006), University of Bergen, with a grounded theory on creative exchange in journalism.
• Extensive professional experience at Adresseavisen, including news work, editorial management, and organizational development.
• Visiting researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

Research Interests: Gynnild’s research is organized into three core tracks: (1) AI and technological innovation in journalism, especially drone and mobile journalism; (2) student-active learning and workshop-based pedagogy in higher education; and (3) surveillance, privacy, and responsible innovation in visual media. She emphasizes ethical frameworks like Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and grounded theory methodology.

Publication Trends: Her recent work reflects a strong focus on emerging technologies in journalism, particularly drones and immersive storytelling. Articles consistently explore ethical implications, professional adaptation, and pedagogical integration. There is a clear trajectory toward interdisciplinary, socially responsible research with real-world impact in media practice and policy.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Grounded Theory Institute
• Meritorious Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bergen (2019)

Advising and Grants: Gynnild has supervised students at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels. She led the ViSmedia project (2015–2021), funded by the Research Council of Norway (NFR), and contributed to multiple collaborative initiatives such as INJECT, Visual Journalism in the Newsroom, and Communicative Effects of Climate Messaging. She has developed curricula including the master’s program in investigative journalism and promotes open-access, co-creative dissemination.

Labs and Research Groups: She leads the Journalism Research Group at UiB and was central to the ViSmedia project, which created a digital archive of conferences, student experiments, and publications on visual surveillance in media. The project website (https://www.uib.no/en/vismedia) serves as a hub for interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation.