Student-Led Presentations Showcase Innovative Approaches to Combat Disinformation in NATO-Funded FREETAD Project

The Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies at the University of Tartu is pleased to announce the successful completion of student-led group works as part of the NATO-supported project "France and Estonia: Together Against Disinformation" (FREETAD). This project aims to enhance resilience against disinformation through international collaboration and academic engagement.

 

Presentations of group projects by students from the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, the Catholic University of Lille, and the University de Bordeaux showcased the results of their collaborative research, conducted remotely, over the summer. These projects tackled various aspects of disinformation that pose significant challenges in today’s information landscape.

 

The topics explored by the student groups included:

 

The presentations highlighted the students’ innovative approaches and deep understanding of these critical issues. Their research not only exceeded expectations but also provided valuable insights into the complexities of disinformation and the malicious tactics used to undermine societies.

 

"We are very proud of the dedication and analytical skills demonstrated by our students," said Dr. Stefano Braghiroli, academic coordinator of the project from the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies. "Their findings underscore the importance of international cooperation and the role of academia and young people in addressing global challenges like disinformation."

 

The FREETAD project, funded by NATO and led by our institute, represents a collaborative effort between Estonian and French universities and non-academic partners to counteract disinformation and strengthen democratic resilience. The initiative underscores the importance of education and research in fostering a more informed and resilient society.

 

The students who delivered the best presentation, as selected by the local coordinators of the project, will have the opportunity to join Estonian and French experts at the Normandy for Peace World Forum, to be held in Caen (France) in September 2024. The next steps of the FREETAD project will include a fact-finding mission of French experts to Estonia, featuring high-level visits in Tartu and Tallinn and a scenario planning exercise aimed at further enhancing strategies to combat disinformation.