Brussels, 29 January 2026   On 29 January 2026, following three impactful years of research and collaboration of the SMIDGE project, policymakers, researchers, journalists and civil society representatives gathered in Brussels for the SMIDGE International Conference, “The Invisible Middle: Understanding Online Extremism in Middle-Aged Adults in Europe,” hosted by Inclusive Europe. Participants examined how disinformation, polarisation and extremist narratives circulate among middle-aged...

Inclusive Europe and De Montfort University (DMU) co-organised a dedicated roundtable for journalists, held in Brussels as part of the SMIDGE Project. The event brought together media professionals, civil society actors, and researchers to explore how narratives targeting middle-aged audiences function and how journalism can more effectively and responsibly engage with this demographic. Understanding a Forgotten Demographic During her presentation, Dr. Sara Wilford (DMU), scientific...

The SMIDGE Project  has released a series of counter-narrative videos, now available on YouTube, marking a significant milestone in its mission to combat misinformation, disinformation, and extremist narratives among middle-aged populations across Europe. Developed through extensive interdisciplinary research and collaborative production processes, these counter-narratives exemplify the project’s commitment to ethical, and responsible research and innovation. The newly published content...