I am a cognitive scientist interested in the pressure points between the architecture of online information technologies and human cognition, and the consequences for democracy that arise from those pressure points. This has led me to examine the persistence of misinformation and spread of “fake news” in society, including conspiracy theories, and how platform algorithms may contribute to the prevalence of misinformation. Because my research speaks to important contemporary issues, I work with policy makers, mainly at the European level, to make democracy more resilient to toxicity online. I also contribute to public debate through opinion pieces in the media and public engagements. In 2022, 2023, 2024, and again in 2025 I was identified as a highly cited researcher by Clarivate. I was elected to the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina) in 2022.

My full details can be found at my homepage https://www.lewan.uk/