Fall 2023-Spring 2024

Active Projects

Cyber Pacific

Cyber Pacific identifies key legal and policy issues in current combined cyber defense efforts with Indo-Pacific allies and partners.

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Hijack

Project Hijack explores Lithuania’s reaction to the hijacking of Ryanair Flight 4978 which was forcibly diverted to Minsk.

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Tearline

Works with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to use satellite imagery to counter disinformation.

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Evergreen (GDPD)

Project Evergreen works closely with a Policy Research Project (PRP) team at LBJ to develop a database of global policy responses to disinformation and misinformation.

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Hunger Games

An investigation into the discourse surrounding Ukraine’s grain trade during Russia’s full-scale invasion

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Mizaru

Project Mizaru examines why climate disinformation is still accepted by large numbers of people, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.

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Get Involved

Fall 2023 Semester

FYI & FAQ

We are currently preparing for the 2023-24 Academic Year, so if you are interested in becoming a GDIL researcher, please submit an application soon.

All-Hands Meetings are held once per month. Information can be found in the fall schedule above.

 

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When can I apply?

We accept applications throughout the year. However, projects run September-May and may fill up, so we encourage you to apply in the summer months as we begin putting the teams together.
Students may apply later in the fall and spring but we cannot guarantee a spot on a team.

Who can participate?

Chances are, if you are reading this you can participate. We are open to University of Texas at Austin undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline. There are no prerequisites besides an interest in disinformation and misinformation and a willingness to abide by our code of conduct.

Are there any prerequisites or experience requirements?

No. Though we are interested in the skills you have (especially language skills!) there are no requirements beyond the standard ~10 hour commitment and your ability to attend our monthly All-Hands meetings.

How will I be spending my time?

That’s a great question! We ask that you commit to an average of 10 hours per week but please understand that some weeks will have far less work than others, so it definitely changes throughout the semester.

Once you join a team, your TTL will work with everyone to find a time to schedule a regular team meeting. Some are once a week, others will be less frequent. And we all use Slack to communicate in between.

You will then spend your time meeting with your team and then working independently (or with other team members) on research, coding, or whatever other activity your project involves.

You will also be required to attend the All-Hands meeting once per month. The meeting dates and times can be found in the semester schedule.

What are the benefits of being a GDIL TTL or GSR?

We’re glad you asked!!

When you become involved with GDIL, you become part of the GDIL community.

First, all active GDIL participants will be added to the GDIL Slack channel where they can communicate with their team and the leadership team. We often post interesting articles or news stories as well as internship and job openings that we hear about often.

You’ll have a space of your own – GDIL has an office location in Belmont Hall with space for TTLs and staff as well as a small conference room available at any time for GSRs. You can meet there for team meetings, to work individually or in groups on your projects, or even if you just need a quiet space to do some homework. Once you become a GSR, we will provide you with a code for entry into the Lab.

We offer amazing networking opportunities! Along with the guest speakers who you will have the chance to meet at each All-Hands meeting, we also have partnerships with external clients. Our students have had the chance to work with Sandia National Labs, the Army Cyber Institute, Arizona State University Research Enterprise, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), among others. And just last year, former CIA Director John Brennan visited with our students!

And yes, there’s always the swag (coming soon)!

Can I attend a meeting to learn more?

We host info sessions each summer and early fall. However, if you’d like to learn more about us during the rest of the year, please feel free to send us an e-mail and we’ll be happy to meet with you to answer any questions and discuss  available research positions or possibilities to become involved.

Have a question we haven't addressed?

Our contact info is at the bottom of the page. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask. We are friendly, we promise.

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