Stephan Lewandowsky

Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky is a Visiting Professor at the University of Potsdam and holds the Chair of Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol. He leads the EU-funded PRODEMINFO project addressing democratic challenges from misinformation. His research focuses on misinformation dynamics, vaccine hesitancy, and the interplay between online ecosystems and democracy. Key roles include Fellowships from the Royal Society and Humboldt Foundation, and election to the Leopoldina academy.

Education: PhD (1985, University of Toronto), MA (1981, University of Toronto), BA (1980, Washington College).

Research Interests:

• Misinformation persistence and correction mechanisms
• Psychological drivers of science denial (climate change/vaccines)
• Algorithmic amplification of disinformation
• Democratic resilience in digital age

Key Achievements:

• Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2022)
• ERC Advanced Grant and Horizon 2020 funding
• Policy impact through EU digital legislation reports

Professional Contributions:

• Author of >200 peer-reviewed articles (Nature, Psychological Review)
• Media engagement: 100+ opinion pieces globally
• Leadership in transnational research consortia