James Dennis

Dr James Dennis is a Researcher at the Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture, and New Technologies (CICANT), Universidade Lusófona. He is Co-Editor of Political Studies Review and Co-Convenor of the Political Studies Association Media and Politics Group (UK), reflecting his leadership in the academic community. His research focuses on political communication, journalism, social media, political participation, and youth engagement with news.

His research interests center on how digital media shapes political engagement, particularly among young people. Key areas include news avoidance during crises like the pandemic, the role of social media in activism (beyond slacktivism), and the representation of youth in election campaigns. His work explores narrative methods, communication strategies, and the impact of media technology on citizenship and political actors.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in digital political communication, with studies on youth news routines, social media activism, election coverage, and ethnographic methods. His work spans journals in political science, journalism, and ethnic studies, indicating interdisciplinary reach. Topics such as infodemics, nationhood, and platform governance reflect contemporary societal challenges.

Dr Dennis has received several scientific awards and recognitions:

• American Political Science Association (APSA) Information Technology and Politics Section Best Dissertation Award (2017)
• Nomination for University of Portsmouth Students’ Union Awards for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (2017)
• Students’ Union Teaching Award, Royal Holloway, University of London (2013)
• Student Union 100% Teaching Commendation Award, Royal Holloway, University of London (2013)

Dr Dennis actively supervises PhD candidates and contributes to academic service through external examining roles at Cardiff, Loughborough, and Leeds universities, advisory roles (e.g., ESRC Digital Footprints Project), and mentoring early-career researchers via the PSA Diverse Voices Programme. He has not received specific grant mentions in the text, but his extensive research output and leadership roles suggest active grant involvement. He regularly provides expert commentary for major media outlets including BBC, Guardian, and Financial Times.

Dr Dennis is affiliated with CICANT, a research center focused on applied communication and new technologies. He collaborates with scholars across the UK and participates in key academic networks such as the Political Studies Association. His personal research website (jameswilldennis.com) serves as a hub for his publications and commentary.