Helena Bilandzic

Helena Bilandzic is a Full Professor for Communication Research/Media Processes and Effects at the University of Augsburg, Germany, where she has held a chair position since September 2010. Previously, she served as Full Professor for Media and Communication Research at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen (2010) and as Assistant Professor at the University of Erfurt (2003-2009). She has also been a visiting scholar at prestigious institutions including the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and Washington State University.

Her academic credentials include a PhD from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (2003) and a Habilitation from the University of Erfurt (2009). Her research focuses on media processes and effects, particularly narrative experience and persuasion, cultivation theory, media use, and environmental and health communication. She employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with expertise in experimental designs and multimethod approaches.

Professor Bilandzic's publication record is extensive, with 13 peer-reviewed journal articles, 12 books and edited volumes, 49 book chapters, and numerous other publications. Her recent work demonstrates a consistent focus on narrative engagement, transportation theory, and the psychological mechanisms underlying media effects. She has made significant contributions to understanding how narratives influence perception, attitudes, and behaviors across various contexts including health communication and environmental discourse.

Her notable achievements include:

• Marie Curie Actions-IRSES grant on 'Narratives in health communication' (2014-2017)
• COST-Action grant 'Transforming Audiences, Transforming Societies' (2010-2014)
• Four German Research Foundation grants on narrative and media effects research

Professor Bilandzic has served in significant administrative roles, including board membership on the evaluation panel for social sciences in the German Research Foundation (elected 2012, re-elected 2016). She has been active in professional organizations, serving as vice-chair and chair for the division 'Rezeptionsforschung' of the German Communication Association and as vice-chair and chair of the Audience and Reception Studies Section of ECREA (European Communication Research and Education Association).