An old colleague who contributed to the founding of the Oxford Internet Institute in 2001 reminded me of a question he was asked back then: There is no institute for research on the telephone, so why do we need one on the Internet? Back then, I did not think the question merited an answer, but … Continue reading From Bell Labs to the Internet: A Question Worth Answering
*OIINEWS
Supporting Ukraine’s Science Diaspora
I had the privilege of attending a two-day event (23-24 March 2026) at the University of Liverpool entitled ‘The UK-Ukraine Research Twinning Showcase and Networking 2026’. It was organized by Dr. Igor Potapov and held at Liverpool’s School of Law and Social Justice. I was impressed by the number of initiatives between the UK and … Continue reading Supporting Ukraine’s Science Diaspora
A Digital ID Card?
The UK Labour Party’s Obsession with a (Digital) ID Card: Time to Reconsider When I returned to the UK in the summer of 2002, to take up an academic position, I was on a panel discussing the adoption of ID Cards. I spoke against an ID Card, immediately after the Home Secretary (at that time) … Continue reading A Digital ID Card?
Democratic Innovations: A New Research Project
I am happy to report that we have support for a wonderful new research project with the Portulans Institute focused on democratic innovations. It will be anchored by two complementary components. The first, which will be central to my work, is focused on finding and critically researching democratic innovations. While much discussion worldwide has focused … Continue reading Democratic Innovations: A New Research Project
Green Shoots of Democratic Resilience
Green Shoots of Democratic Resilience Emerging US Cases Donald Trump’s assault on major institutions in the United States has been damaging. The press, universities, Congress, the courts, and established law firms have been seriously compromised, as Trump follows the strategy of other autocrats, such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, by simply cutting funding to his enemies. … Continue reading Green Shoots of Democratic Resilience
The Fulbright Program: Why Should We Care?
The resignations of all but one member of the board of the US Fulbright Program is concerning. Their resignations followed claims of political interference with the Program from the White House.[1] Let me explain why everyone should care about its future, even if you are not a ‘Fulbrighter’. When I was a professor at the … Continue reading The Fulbright Program: Why Should We Care?
Information is Powerful: Research on Ukraine
On the second anniversary of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I want to acknowledge and thank the growing number of researchers who are exploring the incredibly wide range of issues tied to the war in Ukraine. Many academics at all levels of academia are contributing their skills and training to Ukraine in one of … Continue reading Information is Powerful: Research on Ukraine
Information, Communication, and Innovation Aspects of the War on Ukraine: A Meeting of Early Career Researchers
The Portulans Institute supported the conduct of an Oxford Forum on ‘The Implications of the Russian War in Ukraine for Global Information, Communication, and Cybersecurity’, which was held on 26 January 2024 in a Board Room of the Oxford Internet Institute (OII). It was conceived, organized, and chaired by an OII DPhil Candidate, Elizaveta (Lisa) … Continue reading Information, Communication, and Innovation Aspects of the War on Ukraine: A Meeting of Early Career Researchers
ICA Communication & Technology Awards, 2024
To Members and Friends of ICA's Communication & Technology Division: The Communication and Technology (CAT) Division of the International Communication Association (ICA) seeks nominations for the (1) Frederick Williams Prize for Contribution to the Study of Communication and Technology and the (2) Herbert S. Dordick Dissertation Award. I am pleased to again be chairing the … Continue reading ICA Communication & Technology Awards, 2024
Technology is Catching Up with Seminal Thinkers in Education
I read with interest today that some leading computer scientists believe that AI innovations might well transform basic educational practices, such as what goes on in the classroom. While I agree and believe these changes are most likely to be quite positive, let me suggest that the sequence is somewhat the opposite of what the … Continue reading Technology is Catching Up with Seminal Thinkers in Education