Martin Hilbert

Martin Hilbert is a Professor at the University of California, Davis, jointly affiliated with the Department of Communication and Computer Science. He is a leading scholar in digital technology, algorithmic systems, and computational social science, and chairs the campus’s designated emphasis in Computational Social Science. His work bridges theory and practice, integrating information theory with social science to understand the digital age.

Education:

• Ph.D., Communication, Annenberg School of Communication, University of Southern California, 2012
• Ph.D., Economics and Social Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, 2006
• Dipl.-Kfm. (Master of Business Administration), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, 2003

Professor Hilbert's research focuses on the digital transformation of society, using formal tools from information theory to analyze AI and algorithmic systems. His work spans digital ethics, cognitive biases, and the evolution of communication in networked environments. He is particularly known for his pioneering study on global information capacity and early warnings about algorithmic manipulation in politics.

His recent publications reveal a consistent trend of applying information-theoretic frameworks to social and digital phenomena, with a strong emphasis on measuring algorithmic impact, digital inequality, and the interplay between human cognition and automated systems. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals across disciplines, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature.

Professor Hilbert has made significant contributions to public policy, having designed the first digital action plan for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations and served as an Economic Affairs Officer for 15 years. His technical assistance has reached over 20 countries and major corporations. He is also an innovator in digital education, with online courses taken by over 100,000 students worldwide.

Advising and Grants:

• Chairs the Designated Emphasis in Computational Social Science at UC Davis
• Teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in information theory, digital technology, and computational social science
• Has received research support through academic and policy-oriented grants (specifics not listed)

Labs and Teams:

He is associated with the Center for Computational Science (C2) and the Center for Science and Society (CSS) at UC Davis, which support interdisciplinary research on digital systems and their societal implications. These centers foster collaboration between computer scientists, social scientists, and policymakers.