Ricardo Ribeiro Ferreira

Ricardo Ribeiro Ferreira is a Guest Lecturer and Tutor at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. With a PhD in Politics from the University of Edinburgh (2024), his academic work focuses on the intersection of journalism, democracy, and disinformation. He also serves as an MSc Dissertation Supervisor at the University of Strathclyde and has been a Guest Lecturer at the University of Coimbra since 2019.

Dr. Ferreira earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Politics from the University of Edinburgh (2020-2024), where his thesis examined journalistic agency in Brazil's de-democratization process. He holds a Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication from the University of Coimbra (2017-2019) with honors, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication-Journalism from the Catholic University of Santos (2002-2005).

His research centers on media capture in hybrid political systems, examining how journalists navigate de-democratization processes. With 18 years of professional journalism experience in Brazil, including work as a reporter, editor, and international correspondent, his scholarship bridges theory and practice. Key interests include democratic backsliding, disinformation campaigns, political communication, and the role of journalism in sustaining democratic institutions.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on how disinformation and political pressures shape journalistic practices in democratically backsliding contexts, particularly Brazil under Bolsonaro. His work combines qualitative methods with political theory to develop frameworks like the "precarity trap" that explain how journalists operate under political pressure while maintaining professional integrity.

Dr. Ferreira has received numerous academic recognitions including:

• Diploma of Merit from University of Coimbra (2018)
• 3% Best Students Award and Merit Board recognition from University of Coimbra (2022)
• Multiple Michael Haley Travel Grants from the International Communication Association (2022, 2023)
• SPS Research Support Fund from University of Edinburgh (2021, 2023)
• Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom Scholarship (2023)
• Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2023)

As an educator, Dr. Ferreira has supervised MSc dissertations at the University of Strathclyde and served as a teaching assistant for courses including Media and Politics, Politics and International Relations 1B, Comparative Politics in a Globalised World, and Politics in a Changing World at the University of Edinburgh. His research has been supported by multiple grants totaling over £1,500 for conference travel and fieldwork in Brazil.

Dr. Ferreira is an active member of academic communities, serving as an elected member of the University of Edinburgh Senatus Academicus (2023-2025), and participating in the International Communication Association and European Communication Research and Education Association.