Axel Bruns
About Axel Bruns
Axel Bruns is an Australian Laureate Fellow and social media researcher at QUT’s Digital Media Research Centre, focusing on combating misinformation and polarization in digital media. He employs innovative computational methods and has authored works on filter bubbles and digitizing democracy.
Title and Current Positions
Axel Bruns holds the distinguished position of Australian Laureate Fellow at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and serves as a Chief Investigator at QUT's Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC). He is also a Chief Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society.
Research Focus and Contributions
Axel Bruns' research is centered on combating misinformation and polarization in digital media environments. He has developed groundbreaking approaches in media and communication studies, employing innovative computational methods. His work addresses the cybersecurity implications of polarization and its impact on democratic institutions.
Educational Background
Axel Bruns earned a PhD and a BA (Honours) in Media & Cultural Studies from The University of Queensland. He previously received a BA in English from the same institution. He holds a Vordiplom in Physics from Leibniz Universität Hannover and has completed Graduate Certificates in Creative Writing and Higher Education at QUT.
Previous Leadership Roles
Axel Bruns served as President of the Association of Internet Researchers from 2017 to 2019, and earlier as Vice-President and an Elected Member of the Association Executive. He has also been a key figure in various other research organizations, including the ARC Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation.
Publications and Editorial Work
Axel Bruns is the author of 'Are Filter Bubbles Real?' and has co-edited 'Digitizing Democracy.' He co-founded the M/C Journal and continues to serve as its General Editor, contributing to the discourse on media and cultural studies. His publications have significantly advanced the field's understanding of public communication dynamics in digital environments.