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Founded in 2018, the Luiss Data Lab is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to studying the impact of digital transformation and the data ecosystem on the economy and society. Leveraging information assets is the foundation for improving organizational and/or production processes in both the public and private sectors, serving as a prerequisite for a wide range of applications, including those related to Artificial Intelligence. The Data Lab conducts research using the most advanced data analysis methods.

The Research Center specifically explores the complex relationship between Artificial Intelligence and communication, critically examining global debates on emerging technologies and their social impact. With a focus on digital communication, disinformation, and new media, the Data Lab stands out as a research and innovation hub that brings together academics, journalists, technology experts, institutions, research centers, and companies.  Led by Professor Livia De Giovanni and Executive Director Gianni Riotta, the center works closely with the Luiss Master's in Journalism and Multimedia Communication and its international editorial team to foster constructive dialogue and develop effective solutions, including through the associated Data Room.

The Data Lab’s mission centers on analyzing the dynamics of disinformation and its impact on democratic, social, and economic processes. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the center promotes media literacy, develops AI-based tools to monitor disinformation campaigns and deepfakes, and provides policy recommendations for public and private stakeholders.

The Data Lab's activities are structured around six pillars: media literacy, data literacy, disinformation analysis, institutional cooperation, cybersecurity and hybrid warfare, and artificial intelligence applied to media. Its impact translates into tangible results, including engaging over 4,500 students in media literacy initiatives, collaborating with 60 institutions, developing educational content, and organizing international events. Thanks to prestigious funding and high-level partnerships, the Data Lab has established itself as a center of excellence for tackling the challenges of the digital age, with a vision focused on innovation and global cooperation. The project has achieved significant results in promoting media literacy and combating disinformation, engaging a wide audience through various initiatives. Specifically, 18,000 high school students were reached through digital literacy training sessions that totaled 72,000 hours of instruction, enhancing their critical ability to assess the reliability of sources.

This commitment was reinforced by the agreement reached with the Ministry of Education, which led to the launch of a nationwide training program and the creation of a new educational role dedicated to understanding media and technology.

At the same time, the project has enhanced the skills of media professionals by integrating technological tools to combat disinformation. The IDMO (Italian Digital Media Observatory) project website has seen significant engagement, with 50,002 active users. Meanwhile, awareness campaigns have reached a vast audience: the “United against disinformation” campaign recorded 850 million contacts, and the two television series “Invito alla lettura” (5 episodes) and “Digital World” (4 special episodes) attracted 6,800,000 viewers. Additionally, the RAI program “Digital Pills” garnered over 850 million views. Thanks to a grant from Google.org, the Data Lab is also partnering with the Italian Federation of Publishers and Italian Newspapers (FIEG) to develop an AI-powered technology tool that supports quality journalism.

Temporary Obseratories

IDMO – Italian Digital Media Observatory

Bodoni Institute