CONSORTIUM

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Københavns Universitet (UCPH): Københavns Universitet, or the University of Copenhagen, is Denmark's largest university and a key institution for research and higher education in Europe. Established in 1479, UCPH has a rich history of academic excellence and a strong commitment to research, innovation and societal impact.

 

As the co-coordinator of the SMIDGE project, UCPH oversees the project's overall management and ensures that the objectives are met. UCPH contributes its expertise in social network analysis, textual and content analysis, focusing on understanding and countering extremist narratives online. The university also plays a critical role in developing counter-narratives and educational resources aimed at promoting democratic resilience.

 

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De Montfort University (DMU): De Montfort University is a public university located in Leicester, United Kingdom, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and recognized for its work in areas such as technology, arts, humanities and social sciences.

 

As the co-coordinator partner of the SMIDGE project, De Montfort University will bring its expertise in digital media, communication and social research to analyze how misinformation and extremist narratives are disseminated and consumed online. DMU will focus on studying the role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and will contribute to the development of strategies and tools to counteract harmful content. The university’s Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR) will play a pivotal role in guiding the ethical framework of the project. Additionally, DMU will evaluate the effectiveness of the project's interventions and disseminate research findings to academic, policy-making and public audiences.

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FASresearch: A spin-off company from the University of Vienna, Austria, FAS-Research is a social science research organization, specializing in social network analysis, innovation studies and policy research. The organization has a strong reputation for conducting high-impact studies that inform public policy and organizational strategy. 

 

FAS-Research leverages its expertise in social network analysis to map the spread of extremist narratives across different online platforms. They are working closely with other partners to identify key influencers and networks that propagate these narratives. FAS-Research also contributes to the design of interventions and tools aimed at disrupting the spread of extremist content and promoting positive, democratic discourses online.

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Hallgarten-Franchetti Centro Studi Villa Montesca (FVM):  Fondazione Hallgarten-Franchetti Centro Studi Villa Montesca, located in Città di Castello, Italy, is a research center and educational foundation focused on promoting innovative teaching methods and cultural heritage.

 

FVM is developing training materials and educational resources that address misinformation and extremism. The foundation is also involved in organizing workshops and dissemination activities aimed at teachers, students and the wider public to raise awareness about the dangers of extremist narratives and the importance of democratic resilience.

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Inclusive Europe (INEU): Inclusive Europe is a non-profit organization based in Belgium, dedicated to promoting social inclusion, diversity, and democratic values across Europe. INEU works on a wide range of projects aimed at fostering civic engagement, human rights, and education. 

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INEU is engaging with stakeholders and communities in Brussels to gather insights into the impact of extremist narratives. They participate in organising focus groups and interviews, and undertake the project’s dissemination and communication responsibilities. This includes the organisation of the project’s roundtable discussion and final conference events.

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Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS): The Kosovar Centre for Security Studies is a think tank based in Prishtina, Kosovo, focusing on security, defense, and governance issues. KCSS is known for its research and policy analysis, particularly in areas related to extremism, radicalization, and security sector reform in the Western Balkans.

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KCSS is responsible for developing a database with the main characteristics of the existing online extremist videos, producing webinars, alternative counter content and educational tools to build awareness, elicit positive reflection and critical thinking, and limit the spread and impact of extremist narratives.. With its expertise in security studies, KCSS is developing evidence-based tools and training for security professionals, as well as in formulating policy recommendations.

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UCLan Cyprus: UCLan Cyprus is the Cypriot branch of the University of Central Lancashire, a British university with a global reputation for high-quality education and research. Located in Larnaka, Cyprus, UCLan Cyprus provides a unique blend of British education and Cypriot culture.

 

UCLan Cyprus is conducting surveys, focus groups and interviews to assess the impact of extremist narratives. The university's expertise in legal, political and social sciences is crucial in analyzing the national and demographic specifics of extremist discourses. UCLan Cyprus also contributes to the development of policy recommendations and educational tools tailored to the Cypriot context.

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The University of Milan (UMIL): Università degli Studi di Milano, commonly known as the University of Milan, is one of Italy's most prestigious public universities. Established in 1924, UMIL is renowned for its comprehensive research programs across various disciplines, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.

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The University of Milan brings its extensive experience in content analysis and social research to the SMIDGE project. It is conducting horizon scanning of the social, political, philosophical, psychological, legal and technical literature about online extremism and malicious use of social media to undermine trust in governments. They also create policy briefs and recommendations for policy and decision-makers.

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