| Academic CV | Simón Peña-Fernández |
Academic CV
Simón Peña-Fernández
Full Professor of Journalism
Department of Journalism
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
Research fields: Artificial Intelligence · Journalism · Digital Media · Disinformation · Social Media · Political Communication
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2080-3241
Email: simon.pena@ehu.eus
Academic profile
Simón Peña-Fernández is Full Professor of Journalism at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Co-Principal Investigator of the Gureiker Research Group. His research focuses on artificial intelligence and journalism, digital media, disinformation and media literacy, social media, and audiences. His current research particularly examines the impact of artificial intelligence and algorithms on news organisations, journalism professionals and audiences.
Since 2004, he has published more than 100 scholarly articles and participated in around 30 competitively funded research projects, including European and Spanish national projects. He has also led research and knowledge-transfer projects with public institutions and media organisations.
Academic Positions
Full Professor
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
2021–present
Department of Journalism, School of Social and Communication Sciences.
Senior Lecturer
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
2012–2021
Associate Lecturer
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
1999–2012
Education
PhD in Information Sciences
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 2012
Bachelor’s Degree in Audiovisual Communication
University of Navarra, 1997
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism
University of Navarra, 1996
Research Profile
My research focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, journalism, disinformation and digital media ecosystems.
Current research interests include:
- Artificial intelligence and journalism
- Digital journalism and online media
- Disinformation
- Algorithmic polarisation
- Social media
- Hate speech and online harassment
- Media audiences
- Political communication
- Digital communication
Research Leadership
I have served as Principal Investigator or coordinator of research projects and networks including:
- IT1936-26 — Gureiker Research Group (2026–2029)
- EHU-G25/05 — Social Media, Disinformation and AI (2026–2027)
- PID2022-138391OB-I00 — Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms in Digital Media, Professionals and Audiences (2023–2026)
- COLAB22/11 — Communication, Emotions, Political Action, Disinformation and Polarisation (2023–2025)
- RED2022-134211-T — Online Media and Digital Communication Research Network (CIBERCOM) (2023–2024)
- TED2021-130810B-C22 — Automated Counter-Narratives against Disinformation and Hate Speech (2022–2024)
- RTI2018-095775-B-C41 — News, Networks and Users in the Hybrid Media System (2019–2022)
- COLAB19/19 — Parliamentary Discourse, Polarisation and Post-Truth (2020–2021)
- IT1112-16 — Gureiker Research Group (2016–2021)
For detailed information, see Research Projects.
International Research
My international research activity includes participation in European projects related to innovation and digital transformation.
I have participated in eight European research projects, including Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ projects in the fields of digital transformation, social innovation, journalism and communication.
Selected Horizon 2020 projects include:
- BEYOND — Inclusive Futures for Europe Beyond the Impacts of Industries 4.0 and Digital Disruption
- Social Innovation Community (SIC)
Publications
Since 2004, I have published more than one hundred scholarly articles, primarily addressing digital transformation in journalism and communication, social media, artificial intelligence, disinformation and audiences.
PhD Supervision
Seven PhD theses supervised.
Research Recognition
Four six-year research and knowledge-transfer periods (sexenios):
- Research: 2010, 2016 and 2022.
- Knowledge Transfer: 2017
Academic Leadership
Dean
School of Social and Communication Sciences
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
2013–2021
Vice Dean for Academic Organisation and Students
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
2011–2013
Faculty Academic Secretary
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
2009–2011
Current Academic Coordination
Coordinator of the Master’s Degree in Social Communication
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)
Editorial Activity
- Editor, Mediatika
- Editorial Board, Media Watch
- Editorial Board, Journalism and Media
- Editorial Board, Communication & Society
I also participate in scientific committees of academic journals and international conferences.
Research Evaluation
Evaluator for ANEP and AEI since 2016.
Reviewer of research projects, postdoctoral programmes, internal quality assurance systems and academic degrees for evaluation agencies including:
- AQU
- AVAL
- ACSUG
Knowledge Transfer
My academic activity includes research, consultancy, evaluation and training projects with public institutions and media organisations.
Collaborating institutions include:
- Euskal Irrati Telebista (EITB)
- Basque Parliament
- Emakunde – Basque Institute for Women
These activities have included applied research, consultancy, public tender evaluation and professional training.
I was also part of the team that drafted the Decalogue for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Media, published by the Basque Association of Journalists in 2024.
Media and Public Engagement
Regular contributor to Basque media on issues related to artificial intelligence and communication, including EITB, SER, COPE, Naiz, etc.
Research Group and Networks
Research Group
Reseearch Networks