Research conducted in the Department of Journalism span a wide range of areas and staff, postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research fellows contribute to a rich and varied research culture. The Department also regularly hosts conferences, workshops and talks by visiting speakers.
Research projects
IDRC
This multi-national research projects aims to explore the drivers of information disorder in the Global South. It is a collaborative project, combining academic and action-oriented research, drawing on the expertise of teams based in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.
CSC
Science communication is a sub-field of media and communications research, that seeks to explore and theorise the multiple connections between science, society and communications technologies. The focus of the Chair is to study the role of communications in connecting scientific research with the broader project of social justice and engaged publics, and to action-research best practice in communications modalities that serve the advancement of scientific knowledge.
CINIA
In an era where the digital media ecology and social polarization fuels the rapid spread of disinformation, the Centre for Information Integrity in Africa (CINIA) stands at the forefront of safeguarding democratic values and societal trust across the continent. The proliferation of ‘fake news,’ misinformation, and harmful content on digital platforms poses significant risks to democracy, public health, and social cohesion. As such, the CINIA emerges as a crucial initiative designed to combat these threats through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement.
International collaborations
Journalistic Role Performance Project (JRP)
The Journalistic Role Performance Project (JRP) is a global study analyzing the gap between journalistic ideals and actual practice across 59 countries. Now in its third wave (2025–2029), a massive network of researchers examines how political and economic pressures shape news across all media platforms. By studying six core professional roles, the JRP provides a scientific map of how journalism functions and evolves within different global power structures.
Worlds of Journalism Study (WJS)
The Worlds of Journalism Study (WJS) is a global academic project that assesses the evolving state of journalism through large-scale surveys. Conducted in three major waves since 2007, the study tracks how professional views, working conditions, and roles are transformed by challenges like AI, populism, and the pandemic. By providing comprehensive data and reports, WJS offers a vital map of how journalists worldwide navigate today’s shifting technological and political landscapes.