This grant will allow for a dedicated US Election Observatory to track political polarization through the use of algorithms, automation, and junk news. We will develop (1) an investigative program into computational propaganda and political communication during critical moments—such as elections, security crises, and polarizing debates—in the US, and (2) a policy program to increase our ability to assist policy makers, journalists, and the interested public in understanding how new information technologies impact public life. This support will deepen our research capacity, provide the flexibility to investigate changing technologies, and sustain relationships with the US institutions and organizations that depend on us for insight.
Senior Policy Fellow, Associate Professor
Associate Professor and Senior Policy Fellow. Her research focuses on the opportunities and risks experienced by children using digital technologies; she also leads OII engagement on Internet regulation and digital policy issues.
Professor of Internet Studies
Philip N. Howard is a professor of sociology, information, and international affairs. He is Director of the Programme on Democracy and Technology, and is a Professorial Fellow of Balliol College.
Former Researcher
Mimie was a postdoctoral researcher on the Computational Propaganda project. Her research interests include social influence, causal inference, computational social science, and data science, particularly using real-world data of online interactions.
Former Research Assistant
Lisa-Maria Neudert is a DPhil Student researching platform governance and regulation in response to mis/disinformation.
Former Postdoctoral Researcher
Vidya studies machine learning for biodiversity, as part of the "Benchmark for Nature" project for the Oxford Martin School's Programme on Biodiversity and Society.
