Work packages

The project involves a diverse, interdisciplinary team of researchers working on 8 different work packages to create a WHAT-IF machine. Here is an overview of each step.

• Management and Coordination (WP1)
  Ensures smooth execution of the project, including coordination, quality assurance, risk management, and communication across partners.

  Data Management, Ethics, and Open Science (WP2)
  Develops infrastructure for collecting, processing, and sharing data while ensuring compliance with GDPR, ethical guidelines, and FAIR principles. Introduces synthetic data and differential privacy to enhance privacy protection.

• Data Collection and Processing (WP3)
  Collects fine-grained data through surveys and digital trace donations from citizens in four EU countries. Processes and prepares this data for simulations and analyses.

  Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (WP4)
  Builds the core of the project: a digital twin of the political information environment. Combines Agent-Based Models (ABMs) with Large Language Models (LLMs) to simulate human behavior and media interactions.

  Individual Interventions (WP5)
  Designs and tests immersive field experiments to understand the effects of disinformation, uncivil messages, and selective information exposure on democratic citizenship. Focuses on interventions to improve media literacy and reduce harmful content.

• Anticipatory (Social) Media Policy (WP6)
  Develops and tests policy scenarios in collaboration with stakeholders. Uses simulations to provide actionable insights for improving (social) media governance and democratic resilience.

  Critical-Legal Assessment (WP7)
  Critically evaluates the legal, ethical, and normative aspects of the project. Ensures that the methodologies respect citizen rights and contribute to responsible and user-centered computational social science practices.

  Engagement and Dissemination (WP8)
  Focuses on sharing project outcomes with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and citizens. Promotes the adoption of tools, methods, and insights through workshops, training, and open science platforms.