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Social sciences and humanities

How social media can drive conflict in Africa – and why some communities welcome internet shutdowns

Since 2018, conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has resulted in more than 300 000 deaths. Social media companies have been criticised for allowing hate speech to propagate online, potentially fuelling this violence. The EU-funded ConflictNET project, launched to explore the role of social media in conflict in Africa, sheds light on the complex ethics of bringing connectivity to remote communities

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An AI-powered legal database brings cultural insights into court

Cultural expertise is an emergent concept in the social sciences that describes in-depth social knowledge used in judicial processes. To improve access to cultural expertise, the EU-funded CULTEXP project built an AI-powered database containing case-law and expert reports from a range of countries. The tool will reduce the costs of legal proceedings and improve access to justice.

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Uncovering Europe’s hidden poverty

Despite being in work, millions of Europeans struggle to make ends meet. To better understand this complex issue, the comprehensive EU-funded study WorkYP examined seven European countries, each representing a different region and social model. Their findings hold important policy recommendations for addressing in-work poverty.

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A stronger Europe starts with more resilient families

Many policies that aim to build up Europe’s resilience fail to consider the needs and challenges of families. The rEUsilience project saw this as a blind spot, as most people live within a family setting. That’s why the project is designing policies that ensure families have the resources and support they need to actively contribute to the European economy and society.

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Tackling gender-based violence in EU research institutions

Gender-based violence is widespread, affecting approximately 30 % of women in Europe, according to the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. It is particularly prevalent in research institutions, where hierarchical structures can foster abuses of power. The EU-funded UniSAFE project was launched to tackle this violence in academia, which affects individuals of all genders – women, men and non-binary people.

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How the camera lens gives people a glimpse of a better future

The sociopolitical role that everyday photography plays is significant but under-investigated. The PHOTODEMOS project conducted ethnographic research across nine countries to investigate similarities and differences in how ordinary people use cameras. Its findings identify how images both inspire and empower citizens to reimagine their circumstances and explore alternative futures.

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Sustainable practices to help settle refugees in Europe

Eight years ago, conflicts in the Middle East drove migration across Europe to a level not seen since World War II. Decision makers at local, national and European level had to adapt quickly, and created a vast range of new tools and approaches to integrate refugees. The SPRING project enables decision makers to identify best practices from that era that can help them face the migration challenges of today.

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The EU-funded software keeping you safe while you read this

Public bodies, businesses and citizens in the EU face an increasing risk of cyberattacks, from snooping to ransomware. The CRYSPEN project successfully demonstrated how technology developed by EU-funded cryptographic research could deliver new security standards for web browsing through a commercial spinout.

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Upgrading digital copyright law to empower Europe’s creative industries

Art in the age of digital reproduction is under threat from inadequate contracts, piracy, generative AI and limits on access. In the EU-funded reCreating Europe project, researchers, libraries, copyright experts and other stakeholders sought ways to secure culturally diverse production of art, as well as inclusive access for consumers. The results can help Europe maintain its position as a cultural and economic powerhouse in the creative industries.

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