On Dies Academicus 2024, the University of Fribourg’s Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences has awarded its honorary doctorate to Prof. Dr. Natali Helberger, at the suggestion of the DCM. The new honorary doctor studies the impact of artificial intelligence on democratic societies at the University of Amsterdam.

Natali Helberger is a professor at the University of Amsterdam and co-director of the AI, Media & Democracy Lab. A lawyer by training, she is praised by the Faculty as a leading international scholar whose research at the intersection of media, technology, law, and democracy has significantly advanced our understanding of platforms, algorithmic systems, and artificial intelligence, and their impact on democratic societies.

Beyond her academic achievements and her significant service to the scientific community, Professor Helberger has made a substantial contribution to the responsible use and governance of digital technologies through her commitment to dialogue and collaboration between science, politics, business, and civil society. She regularly advises the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and other important institutions on issues relating to digital technologies, media and AI.