Data Lab

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The Luiss Data Lab, founded in 2018, is an interdisciplinary Research Center dedicated to studying the impact of digital transformation and the data ecosystem on the economic system and society. The enhancement of information assets is the foundation for improving organizational and/or production processes in both the public and private sectors, serving as a premise for a wide variety of applications, including those related to Artificial Intelligence. The Data Lab conducts research based on the most advanced data analysis methods.

The Research Center particularly investigates 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 hub of research and innovation that brings together academics, journalists, technology experts, institutions, research centers, and businesses. Led by Professor Livia De Giovanni and Executive Director Gianni Riotta, the center collaborates closely with the Luiss Master’s Program in Journalism and Multimedia Communication and its international editorial team to foster constructive dialogue and develop effective solutions, also through the associated Data Room. The Data Lab aim to focuse on analyzing the dynamics of disinformation and their impact on democratic, social, and economic processes.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the center promotes media literacy, develops Artificial Intelligence-based tools for monitoring disinformation campaigns and deepfakes, and provides policy recommendations for public and private actors. The Data Lab's activities are structured around six key pillars: Media Literacy, Data Literacy, Disinformation Analysis, Institutional Cooperation, Cybersecurity and Hybrid Warfare, Artificial Intelligence Applied to Media. Its impact translates into concrete results, including the engagement of over 4,500 students in media literacy initiatives, collaboration with 60 institutions, the development of educational content, and the organization of international events.

Thanks to prestigious funding and high-level collaborations, the Data Lab has established itself as a center of excellence in tackling the challenges of the digital era, with a vision focused on innovation and global cooperation. The project has achieved significant results in promoting media literacy and combating disinformation, reaching a broad audience through various initiatives. Specifically, 18,000 high school students have participated in digital literacy training sessions, totaling 72,000 hours of education, enhancing their critical ability to assess source reliability. This effort was strengthened by an agreement with the Ministry of Education, which led to the introduction of a nationwide training program and the creation of a new educational role dedicated to understanding media and technologies. At the same time, the project has enhanced the skills of media professionals, integrating technological tools to counter disinformation.

The IDMO (Italian Digital Media Observatory) project website recorded 50,002 active users, while awareness campaigns reached a vast audience: the “United Against Disinformation” campaign registered 850 million contacts, and the two TV series “Invito alla lettura” (5 episodes) and “Digital World” (4 special episodes) engaged 6,800,000 viewers. Additionally, the RAI program “Digital Pills” achieved over 850 million views. Furthermore, thanks to a grant awarded by Google.org, the Data Lab collaborates with the Italian Federation of Newspaper Publishers (FIEG) to develop a technology tool based on Artificial Intelligence to support quality journalism.

 Permanent Observatories

• ALETHEIA Center of Excellence
• GRO - Geopolitical Risk Observatory
• Permanent Observatory on decentralized Artificial Intelligence
• Sport Observatory

Temporary Observatories

• IDMO – Italian Digital Media Observatory

• Bodoni Institute