Democracy Lab

The Democracy Lab constitutes the research core of the BRIDGE and acts as a platform where academic inquiry meets social impact. It functions as an interdisciplinary hub connecting scholars, practitioners, and students from diverse fields such as political science, sociology, engineering, communication, and design.

Purpose and Research Focus

The Lab investigates the multidimensional challenges confronting democracies today — including polarization, misinformation, exclusion, populism, and declining trust in institutions — with an emphasis on how these dynamics manifest in Europe and Turkey. Through data-driven and participatory research methods, it seeks to understand how democratic systems adapt and build resilience in times of crisis.

Activities and Outputs

• Empirical Research Projects – Conducts surveys, discourse analyses, and comparative case studies focusing on democratic resilience, media ecosystems, and participatory governance.

• Publications and Dissemination – Produces peer-reviewed journal articles, open-access reports, and policy briefs under the BRIDGE label. Findings are made available through Özyeğin University’s eResearch@OzU.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The Lab operates at the intersection of technology, society, and governance. By collaborating with data scientists and designers, it develops innovative research tools — from sentiment analysis to participatory digital mapping — that visualize how trust, participation, and inclusion evolve within democratic systems. Ultimately, the Democracy Lab aims to become a regional reference point for democratic research in Turkey and a bridge between European and Turkish academic communities, policy networks, and civic initiatives.