Michael Bækgaard

Michael Bækgaard is a Researcher at the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX) within the School of Communication, specializing in the convergence of communication theory, reflective practice methodologies, and artificial intelligence applications. His work bridges academic research with practical innovation through 11 active development projects and 15 documented professional activities since 2016.

His research profile centers on reflective practice frameworks, professional ethics in digital environments, and AI-driven communication innovation. Key projects include the Experimental AI Lab developing generative AI task assistants (2024-2027), Gamechanger learning systems (2024-2026), and scenario-based workshops examining AI's societal impact. His methodology emphasizes case-based, system-theoretical analysis of political conflicts and organizational communication.

Recent publication trends reveal a strategic shift from traditional academic outputs (8 research outputs 2012-2021) toward high-impact innovation projects since 2024. His work consistently connects communication theory to democratic engagement, as evidenced by collaborations with Aarhus Kommune on local democracy initiatives and analyses of citizen-politician trust gaps.

As a collaborator, Bækgaard operates through intensive project-based engagement rather than conventional supervision. He co-leads multi-institutional teams across journalism, education, and public sector contexts, with recent activities including AI Day conferences (2024), Periskop Office Community workshops, and NNU conferences on AI in education. His Experimental AI Lab serves as the central hub for translating theoretical frameworks into practical tools for democratic communication.