Dr. Gloria Gennaro is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in Public Policy and Data Science at University College London's Department of Political Science. She holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Bocconi University's Department of Social and Political Sciences, with visiting research at NYU and Harvard University. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich's Immigration Policy Lab. Her research focuses on the political economy of advanced democracies in Western Europe and the U.S., employing causal inference techniques with machine learning and natural language processing. Key interests include immigration policy, hate speech reduction, and political rhetoric analysis. She teaches courses on Politics for Public Policy and Statistical Learning. Her recent work examines populism strategies in the U.S., the impact of public housing on far-right support in France, and empathy-based interventions to reduce online hate speech. She has published in top journals like The Economic Journal and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
Dr. Paul Bilokon is a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Imperial College London's Faculty of Natural Sciences. He holds leadership roles as CEO and Founder of Thalesians Ltd, Chief Scientific Advisor to Thalesians Marine Ltd, and Head of Faculty at the Machine Learning Institute (MLI) and Quantitative Developer Certificate (QDC). Previously, he led global credit and core e-trading quant teams at Deutsche Bank and held senior roles at Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, and Citigroup. His research focuses on machine learning in finance, cryptocurrency, high-frequency trading systems, and domain theory. He earned a distinction from the University of Oxford and won the Donald Davis Prize and British Computer Society SET Award for his work on stochastic processes and imaging. His book contributions include 'Machine Learning and Big Data with kdb+/q' and 'Machine Learning in Finance: From Theory to Practice.' He teaches advanced machine learning and C++ programming, emphasizing reinforcement learning and low-latency applications. Education: Christ Church, University of Oxford (MSci with distinction); Imperial College London (Donald Davis Prize-winning MSci thesis). Research interests include algorithmic trading, quantum machine learning, and drug discovery via graph neural networks. Awards: Quant of the Year 2023, multiple industry accolades. Projects span cryptocurrency arbitrage, low-latency systems, and topological approaches to number theory. Advised numerous students on topics like deep reinforcement learning and electronic market making. Labs/Teams: Thalesians Ltd (quantitative research), MLI (machine learning education), QDC (certification programs). Grants and consulting span financial institutions and tech firms. His work bridges academia and industry, driving innovation in finance and computer science.
Mihailis Diamantis is a Professor of Law at the University of Iowa College of Law, where he maintains an active research agenda focused on the intersection of corporate law, criminal law, and emerging technologies. With 57 scholarly publications that have garnered over 14,500 downloads and 62 citations according to SSRN rankings, he has established himself as a leading voice in corporate criminal law and AI regulation. Professor Diamantis specializes in the legal frameworks governing artificial intelligence, corporate crime, and white-collar criminal law. His research explores how traditional legal concepts apply to modern technological challenges, particularly focusing on corporate liability for AI systems, the philosophical underpinnings of corporate personhood, and innovative approaches to corporate punishment. He has developed novel theories such as the 'Extended Corporate Mind' and 'Character Theory of Corporate Punishment' that have reshaped academic discourse in these areas. His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated analyses of AI's legal implications, with a growing emphasis on practical regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies. Diamantis has pioneered approaches that bridge philosophical inquiry with concrete legal solutions, particularly in the areas of algorithmic accountability, privacy law, and corporate liability structures for AI harms. His work often challenges conventional wisdom, as seen in his provocative arguments about the 'Monster Within' corporations and the need to reframe how we conceptualize corporate criminality. Professor Diamantis frequently collaborates with scholars across disciplines, as evidenced by his co-authored works with experts from Princeton University, Cambridge University, and the University of Pennsylvania. His interdisciplinary approach draws from cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and business ethics to develop comprehensive frameworks for understanding and addressing corporate misconduct in the digital age.
Dr Petre Breazu is a Senior Research Associate at the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics , University of Cambridge, specializing in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics . His academic work bridges Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis with Generative AI research, focusing on identifying and mitigating biases in Large Language Models (LLMs) . Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow (2021-2023) PhD in Media and Communication from Örebro University (2015-2020) His research explores: Discourse and hate speech targeting marginalized communities Media representation of Roma populations in Europe AI ethics and bias detection in LLMs Sociolinguistic dynamics in political contexts Recent publications demonstrate a thematic focus on: Intersections between racism and digital platforms Algorithmic transparency in hate speech analysis Critical examination of media narratives and policy debates His work has been recognized with prestigious scientific awards : Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship
Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq (she/they) serves as Assistant Professor of Professional and Technical Writing in the Department of English within Virginia Tech's College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Their scholarship bridges technical communication, digital humanities, and Indigenous knowledges to interrogate systemic marginalization in academic and institutional practices. Research interests center on decolonial approaches to technical communication through critical race theory, data justice, and Arctic research ethics. Their work develops practical frameworks for respectful engagement with marginalized communities, particularly focusing on Indigenous data sovereignty and ethical research protocols. Key contributions include the MMU Scholar Database for citation justice and the Equitable Arctic Research Guide addressing NSF's tribal consultation requirements. Recent publications reveal consistent thematic focus on dismantling extractive practices in technology and research. Articles demonstrate expertise in applying FAIR/CARE data principles against large language model exploitation, designing community-led digital archiving (The Rematriation Project), and developing cultural humility frameworks for community-engaged research. Their scholarship consistently centers Indigenous methodologies while addressing contemporary challenges in AI ethics and climate science. Through their blog and public scholarship, Itchuaqiyaq actively promotes antiracism initiatives in technical communication curricula and advocates for equitable inclusion of Indigenous peoples in Arctic science. They provide practical resources like the free Equitable Arctic Research Guide and the 'Which Arctic Research Superhero Are You?' quiz to operationalize decolonial principles in research practice.
Zahedur Arman is an Assistant Professor in the Communication, Media, & Performance Department at Framingham State University. His research focuses on social media campaign strategy, media effects, digital audience behavior, social network detection, and user engagement. He has presented at prominent conferences including AEJMC, ICA, ECA, and Global Fact. Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Arts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale Arman pioneered fact-checking journalism in Bangladesh through BD FactCheck (2017) and served as Managing Editor of Gateway Journalism Review (U.S.). He currently holds editorial roles at Quality and Quantity (QQ) and Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia (JCEA) . His recent work analyzes post-truth politics, vaccine hesitancy, and digital protest movements. Key article themes include: Intermedia agenda-setting in political campaigns Transnational mediation of social movements Visual rhetoric in sociopolitical conflicts Fake news detection frameworks
Whitney Phillips is an Assistant Professor of Information Politics and Ethics at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the Folklore Program and the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). Her interdisciplinary research examines the intersection of US politics, media ethics, and digital culture, focusing on conspiracy theories, moral panics, right-wing media ecosystems, and the ethical implications of information sharing. PhD in English with a folklore structured emphasis (digital culture focus), University of Oregon (2012) MFA in Creative Writing, Emerson College (2007) BA in Philosophy, Humboldt State University (2005) Her work bridges qualitative methods from literary/cultural theory and folklore with participant observation, rhetorical analysis, and symbolic critique to develop cultural histories of information dynamics. She has published extensively on topics including online trolling, media literacy, and the ecological impact of social media. Selected publications include her 2025 MIT Press book The Shadow Gospel (on anti-liberal demonology in US politics) and the 2023 MITeen guide Share Better and Stress Less (on social media well-being). Her research has informed ethics consultations for global news outlets and congressional briefings. Scientific Awards Nancy Baym Best Book Award (Association of Internet Researchers) for This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Marçal Sintes Olivella serves as a Lecturer at the School of Communication and International Relations, Ramon Llull University, where he actively contributes to the Digilab: Media, Strategy and Regulation research group. His academic profile centers on critical analysis of contemporary media ecosystems within Catalan and Spanish political contexts. His research explores Journalism ethics , Political communication dynamics , and Media regulation challenges , with particular focus on disinformation patterns , freedom of expression limitations , and independence movement rhetoric . The fingerprint analysis confirms deep engagement with Catalan/Spanish political discourse (80% Spanish, 64% Catalan topics) and classical philosophical frameworks like John Stuart Mill's theories. Recent publications demonstrate evolving research trajectories toward AI-driven journalism and geopolitical conflict framing , while maintaining core investigations into media pluralism and pandemic-era professional transformations. This reflects strategic adaptation to digital disruption in communication industries. Dr. Sintes Olivella secures competitive research funding through projects like DIGILAB (AGAUR-funded 2022-2025) and FEEDING FAKES (La Caixa Foundation 2021-2023), collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across Spanish institutions. His grant portfolio emphasizes practical media regulation solutions for European digital markets. As a Digilab core member, he contributes to EU-wide media pluralism monitoring initiatives including the Media Pluralism Monitor implementation for Spain, focusing on algorithmic transparency and ownership diversity metrics within rapidly evolving digital news environments.
Dr Verity Trott is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media Research at the School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University. Her work sits at the intersection of digital media, feminist activism, and platform politics, with a focus on how gendered values are negotiated in online spaces. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and supervision, and contributes to interdisciplinary projects through the Automated Society Working Group. Senior Lecturer, School of Media, Film and Journalism, Monash University Research focus: digital activism, feminist media, platform governance, online harassment, algorithmic cultures Author of Feminist Activism and Platform Politics (Routledge, 2022) Active researcher with publications in New Media & Society , Information, Communication & Society , and Feminist Media Studies Her research interests center on the socio-political dynamics of digital platforms, particularly how feminist movements navigate corporate infrastructures and resist misogynistic online cultures. She explores the tensions between feminist epistemologies and datafication, and investigates how algorithmic systems reproduce or challenge gendered norms. Her work also examines digital masculinities, far-right networks, and the ethics of automated content personalization. The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on digital activism, platform politics, and data governance. Themes include feminist resistance, algorithmic bias, far-right media, TikTok political engagement, and the societal impacts of dark ads and facial recognition. Her publications demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary approach combining media studies, gender theory, and data analysis. Scientific Awards: MFJ Education Award 2020 (Innovation in Online Teaching) Special Commendation, Faculty of Arts Dean's Awards for Research Excellence 2021 Dr Trott is actively supervising PhD students on topics ranging from digital healthcare for LGBTQ+ communities to surveillance in workout vlogs and data-driven solutions to gendered violence. She has secured research funding for projects on dark ads, data visualization in policy, and youth engagement with public services. She is a founding member of the Automated Society Working Group, contributing to critical research on automation and digital ethics. She is involved in public engagement through media contributions and workshops such as 'Tracking Dark Ads' and 'Illuminating Dark Ads,' and has contributed to policy submissions on AI ethics. Her collaborative network includes scholars across Monash and national institutions working on digital media, youth, and social justice.
Hande Eslen Ziya is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Stavanger, affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Department of Media and Social Sciences. She also holds an Honorary Research Associate position at the Gender Justice, Health and Human Development unit, Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Her research spans critical areas including gender studies, digital violence, populism, and the emotional dynamics of academic and political life. Her research focuses on the sociology of gender, digital harassment, post-truth politics, emotional politics, masculinities, and discursive governance in Turkey and Europe. She investigates how online environments shape activism, harassment, and knowledge production. Her work critically examines the gendered impacts of populism, the emotional toll on academics, and the structural inequalities embedded in digital platforms. The 15 most recent publications reveal a consistent thematic trajectory centered on gender, power, and digital discourse. They span journals in feminist media studies, political sociology, and gender studies, highlighting interdisciplinary engagement. Key trends include the analysis of online gender-based violence, emotional labor in academia, discursive strategies of populist regimes, and the role of social media in protest and resistance. Her research combines qualitative discourse analysis with sociological theory, often focusing on Turkey and comparative European contexts. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising and Grants: While no formal list of advisees is provided, her frequent collaborations suggest a strong mentoring role, particularly with early-career researchers like Ezgi Pehlivanli Kadayifci. Her current research on online harassment of academics is funded by the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), indicating active grant leadership. She has co-edited major volumes and published extensively, demonstrating sustained research productivity and leadership. Labs and Research Teams: She is part of a collaborative network including scholars such as Alberta Giorgi, Margunn Bjørnholt, Umut Korkut, and Itir Erhart. Her work on the Gezi protests and digital activism suggests involvement in interdisciplinary research collectives focused on media, protest, and gender. She contributes to international scholarly dialogues through co-authored publications and edited volumes.
Babak Bahador is the Director of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at George Washington University, effective August 2024. He holds the title of Research Professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA), where he teaches courses on Media and Peacebuilding and directs the Media and Peacebuilding Project. Additionally, he oversees the peace journalism initiative Peace News and serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Bahador earned his PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His research focuses on media's role in politics and international relations, with a particular emphasis on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and hate speech dynamics. Current projects include automated hate speech detection systems and counter-speech efficacy studies. He has extensive experience analyzing media coverage of global conflicts, including the Iraq War, the Russia-Georgian War, and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Bahador's academic contributions span media effects, propaganda analysis, and the interplay between public discourse and democratic governance. He has published widely on topics such as presidential rhetoric during crises, the CNN effect on policy decisions, and the ethical dimensions of conflict reporting. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in media policy and peace journalism. Beyond academia, Bahador leads initiatives that translate research into actionable strategies for promoting peaceful conflict resolution through media channels. His projects emphasize empirical rigor while addressing contemporary challenges like misinformation and algorithmic bias in social media ecosystems.
Marc Esteve Del Valle is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Media and Journalism Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen (the Netherlands). His research examines intersections of digital communication networks and social change, particularly in online environmental politics. He combines network science and computational methods with communication theories. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Information, Communication & Society and New Media & Society . Grants include support from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Netherlands eScience Center. He also holds scholarships from the Volkswagen Foundation and North American institutions. As a supervisor, he leads multiple PhD projects investigating environmental protest framing, Twitter news sharing dynamics, AI-enabled narrative analysis, and algorithmic populism. He serves on editorial boards for Media and Communication and Frontiers in Human Dynamics , and holds research affiliations with the Open University of Catalonia’s Communication Networks & Social Change group and Ryerson University’s Social Media Lab. Key Positions: Associate Editor, Frontiers in Human Dynamics - Social Networks Review Editor, Comunicar journal Member, International Network for Social Network Analysis Research Grants: Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation Netherlands eScience Center
Dr Melissa-Ellen Dowling is a Senior Lecturer at Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law, where she serves as a Full Member of the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies. Her academic career spans research and teaching focused on the intersection of digital technologies and democratic governance, with particular expertise in countering extremist ideologies and disinformation campaigns. Her research interests center on how liberal democracy can be challenged, sustained, and enriched in a digitizing world. This encompasses investigations into extremist ideologies, political violence, disinformation ecosystems, and foreign interference operations. Her work employs interdisciplinary approaches drawing from political science, international relations, and cyber policy frameworks to address contemporary security challenges facing democratic societies. Dr Dowling's publication record shows significant momentum, with six publications in 2025 alone including the edited volume Digital (Dis)Information Operations: Fooling the Five Eyes and multiple journal articles examining far-right populism, information operations, and media co-optation by extremist groups. Her research demonstrates consistent focus on practical applications for intelligence and policy communities, as evidenced by her leadership of nationally funded research grants. National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grant 2024 (Chief Investigator) for 'Digital pathways to violent extremism in young Australians' National Intelligence Postdoctoral Grant 2021 (Chief Investigator) for 'Modelling Digital Ideological Extremism' As an active researcher within the Jeff Bleich Centre, Dr Dowling contributes to Australia's academic and policy discourse on digital democracy challenges. Her work connects theoretical frameworks with practical security applications, positioning her at the forefront of research addressing how digital technologies impact democratic resilience and vulnerability.
Prof. Dr. Sven-Oliver Proksch is a Professor in European Politics at the University of Cologne. He is affiliated with the Center for Comparative and International Studies (CCCP) and serves as an Executive Manager in the institution. His research focuses on legislative processes, political communication, and computational text analysis in European and comparative contexts. He holds a prominent role in academic administration and has contributed to advancing methodologies in political text analysis. Education details are not explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record indicates advanced expertise in political science. His research interests prominently feature European party politics, parliamentary dynamics, and the application of computational methods to political discourse. Recent work explores topics like nostalgia in political rhetoric, intra-party dissent, and the impact of social media (e.g., Twitter bots) on political communication. Prof. Proksch’s articles reflect a focus on European governance structures, legislative rhetoric analysis, and the intersection of technology with political processes. His work bridges empirical research and methodological innovation, particularly in large-scale text analysis. He maintains an active website at www.svenoliverproksch.com and is contactable via so.proksch@uni-koeln.de. His office is located in Room 3.45 of the IBW Building at Herbert-Lewin-Str. 2, 50931 Cologne.
Nicolai Berk is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Immigration Policy Lab and the Public Policy Group at ETH Zürich. Previously, he was a PhD candidate at the Research Training Group 'DYNAMICS' (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Hertie School of Governance), supervised by Thomas Meyer. His research focuses on political competition, public opinion dynamics, and radical right rhetoric in Western democracies. He combines text analysis with econometric methods to study political discourse shaping, particularly the impact of right-wing rhetoric. Education: BA from the University of Vienna (Political Science), MSc in Social Sciences from the University of Amsterdam. Key roles include research assistantships under Markus Wagner (AUTNES) and Gijs Schumacher (EUSpeech V2). He has interned at the Max-Planck Institute for the Study of Societies and participated in the Hot Politics Lab. Research interests span media framing effects, NLP applications in social sciences, and migration policy analysis. He led data collection for EUSpeech V2 and contributed to AUTNES datasets. Recent work includes modeling migration-related content in German news media and investigating media effects on voting behavior. His methods emphasize computational social science and experimental research.
