Silke Fürst

Silke Fürst is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Communication Science and Media Research (IKMZ), University of Zurich, with a focus on scientific communication, journalism, media ethics, and the digital transformation of higher education communication. She holds a doctorate in Communication Studies from the University of Freiburg (2021) and has led research projects on university communication in Switzerland funded by SNSF/SNF.

• Education: PhD (Dr. rer. soc.) in Communication Studies, University of Freiburg (2021)
• MA/BA in Communication Science, Contemporary History, and German Philology, University of Münster (2008)

Research Interests span mediatization, datafication, open science, and the interplay between journalism and public discourses. Her work examines how universities and media organizations adapt to digital metrics, audience-driven narratives, and strategic communication. Recent studies explore social media engagement, AI in journalism, and historical media paradigms.

Publication Trends highlight digital transformation, university communication, and audience metrics. She contributes to debates on media ethics, public science, and the evolution of journalistic values in hybrid media systems. Her co-edited volumes address open research infrastructures and transformative media practices.

Scientific Awards include:

• Theoriepreis 2023 (DGPuK)
• SGKM Best Presentation Award 2023
• Vigener-Preis 2022 (University of Freiburg)
• EJO Preis für Wissenstransfer 2015

Leadership & Collaborations involve editorial roles for Media and Communication and Medien Journal, advising journals like Journal of Science Communication, and co-leading projects on AI literacy in Swiss journalism (2025). She actively contributes to academic networks such as ICA, ECREA, and DGPuK.