Starting from 1 February 2024, the Winter School: Fake News kicked off, culminating in its on-site session from 12 to 16 February 2024, hosted at the Evangelical Theological Faculty of Comenius University in Bratislava.
Students from nine ENLIGHT partner universities had the opportunity to listen and engage with 19 lecturers representing eight European universities during the Winter School: Fake News.
Throughout the program, students delved into the origins and contemporary manifestations of hoaxes, often wielded for propagandistic purposes across social media and in the battleground of information. The winter school was structured around six thematic domains aligned with ENLIGHT's focus areas:
- Health and Well-being
- Digital Revolution and the Impact of Digitalisation
- Climate Change
- Energy and Circular Economy
- Culture and Creativity
- Equity
The winter school aimed to dissect the root causes behind the rapid dissemination of hoaxes within society. Its objective was to present a constructive analysis of prevalent fake news types across various ENLIGHT focus areas alongside a comprehensive exploration of manipulation techniques and the ramifications of "information pollution". Moreover, strategies to combat these challenges were thoroughly examined. Students learnt to recognise, define, compare and asses common hoax characteristics, while scrutinizing the risks posed to the development of a democratic and inclusive society.
Notably, Professor Dan Larhammar, Uppsala University, also a former president of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, who played a pivotal role in adjudicating 12 Nobel Prizes, was among the distinguished speakers.
A huge 'thank you' is extended to Maroš Nicák, Vice-Dean for Research, International Relations and Faculty Development, Evangelical Theological Faculty at Comenius University in Bratislava, who organised the Winter School: Fake News and to all the lecturers who contributed with their invaluable insights and dedication to fostering critical thinking among students.