The project kick-off meeting of the DEMINE Project will take place in Leuven from 28th-29th April 2025. This event marks the official launch of our Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network, and brings together an outstanding team of doctoral researchers, supervisors, and project partners from KU Leuven, Aarhus University, and the University of Padova.

Over the course of two full days, the DEMINE community will gather for a programme filled with engaging and collaborative activities aimed at laying the groundwork for our research and training efforts.

The kick-off will feature:

1. A meet-and-greet session to introduce our researchers and partners
2. An overview of the project’s objectives and management structure
3. Sessions on the PhD trajectory, including expectations and support mechanisms
4. Workshops on mixed methods research, experimental design, and polarization on social media
5. Dedicated discussions on research ethics and data management
6. A hands-on team-building cooking workshop to foster collaboration in a relaxed and creative setting

On the second day, participants will take part in site visits to Dossinkazerne, the Hannah Arendt Institute, and the Social House of Mechelen, important spaces that will enrich our understanding of the broader societal themes addressed by DEMINE.

The DEMINE Project focuses on understanding and countering extreme online discourse, developing a much-needed framework on the role and interplay of interpersonal and mediated communication in intergroup relations and conflict related to migration and globalisation, ultimately contributing to social cohesion.

Find more insights into the DEMINE project on its website, or follow on LinkedIn!