The Center for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy is a non-profit civil society research institute and think tank based in Berlin, Germany. CeMAS sees itself at the interface of science, politics, and society. Our work focuses on the issues of disinformation, right-wing extremism, antisemitism, and conspiracy ideologies.
CeMAS uses an interdisciplinary approach combining methods of empirical social research and data science with those of investigative journalism. This ensures a continuous exchange of expertise from various perspectives, which find practical expression in our focus areas of monitoring, analysis, and strategic consulting.
Monitoring
From real-time monitoring of key social media platforms and the use of OSINT methods to (early) detection of disinformation campaigns, we systematically monitor digital communication spaces with a focus on disinformation, right-wing extremism, antisemitism, and conspiracy ideologies. Throughout our work, we are constantly taking into account the interconnection of digital and analogue spheres.
Analysis
We combine qualitative and quantitative research approaches in modern mixed-methods study designs. Using actor, network, and content analyses in addition to discourse-analytical methods and surveys, we identify and measure developments in the fields of disinformation, right-wing extremism, antisemitism and conspiracy ideologies.
Strategic Consulting
Based on our evidence-based analyses and research findings, we provide strategic advice to decision-makers in politics, public authorities, media, and social media platforms. We identify anti-democratic tendencies at an early stage and support key societal actors in responding to them.
Scientific Advisory Board
A scientific advisory board has been established to provide quality assurance as well as professional and scientific advice to CeMAS, supporting the organization in developing its medium- and long-term objectives. The critical support provided by the advisory board also helps to ensure the high quality of CeMAS’ professional and scientific work over the long term. The board comprises the following members:
Benjamin Fischer (chair), director of development, Europe at Bellingcat
Prof. Dr. Christian Stöcker, communications scientist at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)
Prof. Dr. Matthias Quent, sociologist at the Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal) researching right-wing extremism
Ingrid Brodnig, writer and journalist with a focus on addressing disinformation and hate speech
Rocío Rocha Dietz, cognition scientist focusing on antisemitism
Dr. Mirjam Jenny, scientific director of the Institute for Planetary Health Behaviour at the University of Erfurt with a focus on scientific communication
Legal Form and Financing
CeMAS is a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH). CeMAS is financed through a variety of sources, including government and scientific project funding, grants from foundations, its own services, and donations. CeMAS uses its entire revenue exclusively for non-profit purposes in accordance with its statutes. Funders have no influence on the results of CeMAS's work.
CeMAS was founded in March 2021 by Miro Dittrich, Josef Holnburger, Pia Lamberty, Jan Rathje, and Rocío Rocha Dietz. The Center now employs twenty staff, including researchers working in our four main areas – disinformation, right-wing extremism, antisemitism and conspiracy ideologies – as well as software developers and experts in strategic communication.
