Conference

Digital Media and Social Futures

Innovating the future, together.

Oct 21, 2026 — Oct 22, 2026

Speakers

Visionaries shaping the industry.

Professor Daniel Jackson

Bournemouth University, UK

Professor of Media and Communication | Bournemouth UniversityProfessor Jackson's research explores the critical intersections of media, power, and social change, with a specialized focus on how digital environments reshape the temporal dynamics of democracy, political communication, and civic culture.<hr><h3>Academic Leadership & Affiliations</h3><ul><li>Bournemouth University, UK: Professor of Media and Communication and Deputy Director of the Centre for Comparative Media and Politics Research.</li><li>Political Studies Association: Former convenor of the Media and Politics Group.</li></ul><h3>Research & Expertise</h3>Prof. Jackson investigates how media institutions respond to moments of democratic urgency and shape long-term cultural legacies. His core focus areas include:<ul><li>The acceleration of election cycles and the metrics-driven rhythms of digital journalism.</li><li>Media reform, platformisation, and public trust in digitally mediated societies.</li><li>The cultural legacy of sporting mega-events (e.g., Olympic and Paralympic Games).</li><li>Journalistic role performance and campaign communication.</li></ul><h3>Key Projects & Global Impact</h3><ul><li>Rapid-Response Publishing: Co-edits the widely cited Election Analysis and Olympic and Paralympic Analysis reports, which deliver research-informed assessments within days of landmark events.</li><li>Global Scholarship: Collaborator on the international Journalistic Role Performance project, examining journalistic cultures across 37 countries.</li><li>Major Funded Research: Co-investigator on AHRC-funded projects exploring the Rio Paralympics' cultural legacy and the role of constructive journalism in post-pandemic recovery.</li></ul><blockquote>At DMSF: Professor Jackson brings a comparative and globally grounded perspective on how digital media reshape political time, collective memory, and the imagination of democratic futures.</blockquote>

Professor Wail Ismail Abdel Barry

Ain Shams University , Egypt

Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication | Ain Shams UniversityProfessor Abdel Barry is a leading figure in media scholarship, bridging the gap between global communication theory and the unique media realities of the Arab world. His work spans sociology, anthropology, and digital transformation.<hr><h3>Academic Leadership & Experience</h3><ul><li>Ain Shams University, Egypt: Current Professor and former Head of the Department of Sociology (2017–2020).</li><li>University of Sharjah, UAE: Held key academic appointments.</li><li>Indiana University, USA: Served as a Visiting PhD Scholar.</li></ul><h3>Research & Expertise</h3>Prof. Abdel Barry’s work focuses on how technology reshapes society. His doctoral research was a pioneering study on IT adoption in Egypt, setting the stage for his focus on:<ul><li>Digital transformation and media reform.</li><li>Mediatization and global communication systems.</li><li>Social media’s role in social change and identity.</li><li>Governance and the "post-Arab Spring" media landscape.</li></ul><h3>Global Impact & Contributions</h3><ul><li>Published Scholar: His research appears in top journals like Public Relations Review and Global Media and Communication.</li><li>Editorial Excellence: Reviewer for elite publications including New Media & Society and The International Journal of Press/Politics.</li><li>Keynote Speaker: Invited to share insights at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Oxford, Copenhagen, and Westminster universities.</li></ul><blockquote>At DMSF: Professor Abdel Barry provides a historically grounded perspective on digital media, connecting technological evolution with global development and future communication trends.</blockquote>

Dr. Çiğdem Bozdağ

University of Groningen , Netherlands

<h2>Dr. Çiğdem Bozdağ</h2>Associate Professor, Research Centre for Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Groningen<hr><h3>Core Expertise</h3>Dr. Bozdağ is a distinguished scholar whose career is dedicated to understanding the intersection of technology and society. Her research primarily focuses on:<ul><li>Digital Inclusion and Digital Literacy</li><li>Media Education</li><li>The Dynamics of Media and Migration</li></ul><h3>Current Roles & Leadership</h3><ul><li>Associate Professor: Research Centre for Journalism and Media Studies, University of Groningen.</li><li>Programme Coordinator: Media Studies master’s programmes at the University of Groningen.</li><li>Vice Chair: ECREA "Diaspora, Media and Migration" section.</li></ul><h3>Education & Past Experience</h3><ul><li>Ph.D. in Communication and Media Studies: University of Bremen (2013).</li><li>Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow: University of Bremen’s Faculty of Education, where she led the influential INCLUDED project (2019–2023).</li><li>Former Head of New Media: Served as an assistant and associate professor at Kadir Has University.</li><li>Mercator-IPC Fellow: Istanbul Policy Center at Sabancı University.</li></ul><h3>Key Research & Academic Contributions</h3><ul><li>Principal Researcher, "DigiMig" Project (2024–2028): Funded by the prestigious NWO talent scheme Vidi framework, this groundbreaking initiative explores digital inclusion in the context of migration through families, policies, and education.</li><li>Editorial & Review Work: Serves on the editorial board of the open-access journal Media and Communication and reviews for leading publications, including New Media and Society, Big Data and Society, and the Journal of Media Literacy Education.</li><li>Global Speaking Engagements: Regularly delivers keynote addresses and participates in panels for esteemed organizations such as the University of Leipzig, the Netherlands Research School for Media Studies (RMeS), and the Media Education Lab.</li></ul>

Assoc. Prof. Syed Saqib Saleem

Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Pakistan

<h2>Prof. Syed Muhammad Saqib</h2>Academic & Climate Communication SpecialistProf. Syed Muhammad Saqib is an accomplished academic and climate communication specialist with over 12 years of impactful experience in the education sector.<h3>Academic Profile & Expertise</h3><ul><li>Current Role: Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University).</li><li>Education: Ph.D. in Climate Journalism and Climate Change Communication from the School of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab.</li><li>Specialization: Pioneering climate literacy and sustainability initiatives, including spearheading workshops on Climate Journalism Education in Pakistan.</li></ul><h3>Global Representation & Research</h3><ul><li>International Network: Proud representative of Pakistan at the Global MediaClimate Network in Oslo, Norway.</li><li>Contributions: Shares extensive research and insights at both national and international forums.</li><li>Publications: Author of research published in reputable national and international journals, alongside numerous conference presentations that further the discourse on climate communication and sustainable practices.</li></ul><h3>Mentorship & Leadership</h3><ul><li>Student Engagement: Actively mentors students and leads student societies at Forman Christian College.</li><li>SDG Initiatives: Supervises behavior change campaigns aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).</li><li>Recognition: Recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award, highlighting his dedication to nurturing future leaders and changemakers.</li></ul><h3>Consultancy & Industry Experience</h3><ul><li>Communications Consultant: Works with DevX Global Consulting to manage development sector projects and craft proposals for international organizations, including the UN, INGOs, academia, and the private sector.</li><li>Digital Management: Serves as the Social Media and Website Manager for the MediaClimate Research Network, showcasing proficiency in enhancing online engagement and strengthening organizational communication.</li></ul><hr><blockquote>Summary: Dr. Saqib’s dynamic combination of teaching, mentorship, event organization, and communication consultancy highlights his multifaceted contributions to education, sustainability, and climate activism.</blockquote>