iNOVA Media Lab: Pioneering AI Research and Media Innovation in Portugal

At NOVA University Lisbon, iNOVA Media Lab is breaking new ground in digital media research. Founded in 2015, this innovative hub connects academia, industry, and society to explore how technology is transforming the way we create, share, and consume media. From artificial intelligence (AI) to immersive storytelling, iNOVA is helping shape the future of journalism, communication, and digital platforms.

“We wanted to build a space where ideas come to life,” says Paulo Nuno Vicente, iNOVA’s Coordinator. “Innovation happens when people from different backgrounds collaborate, experiment, and test new ways of working with technology.”

AI in Portuguese Media: A Landmark Study

Over the next year, iNOVA will lead the first-ever national study on how AI is being integrated into Portuguese media organizations. The research will examine newsrooms, regulatory bodies, and other key players in the media ecosystem.

“We’re at a turning point,” says Vicente. “AI is changing how journalism works, from automating tasks to influencing how stories are told. But with that comes big questions about ethics, transparency, and the role of journalists. This study will help us understand both the opportunities and the risks.”

This project is part of a broader effort to understand AI’s role in media worldwide. News organizations are using AI to personalize content, streamline workflows, and even generate articles. While this brings exciting possibilities, it also raises critical concerns.

“The rise of AI-assisted journalism is inevitable, but who holds responsibility when AI makes mistakes?” asks Vicente. “How do we ensure fairness and accountability in AI-driven reporting? These are the questions we need to answer.”

By comparing findings from Portugal with international trends, iNOVA aims to provide valuable insights that will guide newsrooms, policymakers, and educators in adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape.

Investigating the Impact of Technology on Daily Life

Beyond AI in media, iNOVA explores how technology shapes our everyday experiences through three key research areas:

• Appification of Everyday Life: How apps are transforming personal health, work, and daily routines.
• Platformization of Civic Engagement: The impact of digital platforms on democracy, public discussion, and social cohesion.
• Data Cultures: How people interact with data and automated systems, including AI-driven decision-making.

“Technology is deeply woven into our lives,” says Vicente. “Our research looks at the bigger picture—how we adapt to digital tools, how they change our behavior, and what that means for society.”

The lab’s approach is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together experts in journalism, data science, social sciences, and digital media. By fostering collaboration across different fields, iNOVA ensures that its research remains relevant to both academic and professional audiences.

Connecting Journalists and Scientists

In an era of misinformation, iNOVA Media Lab is committed to strengthening fact-based journalism and enhancing science communication. The lab recognizes that journalists play a crucial role in making scientific knowledge accessible and trustworthy. By fostering collaboration between media and research institutions, iNOVA ensures that complex topics like AI, health, and climate science are accurately reported and widely understood.

Through dedicated programs, iNOVA is helping journalists gain deeper insights into scientific research while equipping scientists with better tools to communicate their findings. This approach builds a stronger bridge between media and science, benefiting both fields and ultimately improving public understanding of critical issues.

One of its key projects focuses on embedding journalists within research institutions, allowing them to experience scientific work firsthand. Another initiative builds networks between investigative journalists and research organizations to improve the quality and depth of science reporting. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, ensuring that critical issues are communicated clearly and responsibly.

The Challenge: Sustaining Innovation

While iNOVA thrives on experimentation and creative freedom, keeping researchers engaged long-term is a challenge.

“We don’t want to contribute to academic precarity,” says Ana Marta Flores, researcher at iNOVA Media Lab. “It’s exciting to work on cutting-edge projects, but sustainable careers require stable funding. That’s why we’re always looking to diversify our partnerships and funding sources.”

The lab is committed to an open, collaborative culture where good ideas can come from anyone, whether they’re a student, researcher, or industry professional.

One of iNOVA’s key strategies for sustainability is securing a mix of academic grants, industry partnerships, and European funding. This approach ensures the lab can continue its work while providing career stability for its researchers.

Let’s Collaborate

As iNOVA Media Lab expands its projects and partnerships, it welcomes collaboration with media professionals, researchers, and organizations interested in shaping the future of digital media.

“We’re not just studying change—we’re part of it,” says Vicente. We want to work with people who share our passion for innovation and ethical technology.”

The coming year will be a pivotal one for iNOVA, with its research paving the way for a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on media and society. If you’re interested in working together, now is the time to connect.

For more information, visit iNOVA’s website or get in touch with the team.

Read the previous article on iNOVA published on our website.