The Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) is a partner in the ‘RADAR –Raising Awareness on Disinformation: Achieving Resilience’ project led by the Trans European Policy Studies Association. In addition to FIIA, six European research institutes also take part in the project, each dealing with a different approach to disinformation. FIIA’s focus is on disinformation and hybrid operations by foreign actors.

As part of the project, FIIA organises an event that aims to train the participants in recognising and fighting disinformation, and is now looking for participants of the age 18-30. In Finland, RADAR consists of two parts: a public debate on 26 October 2023 and a Youth Lab on 27 October. The public debate is open to the general public while attending the Youth Lab as well requires submitting an application and being selected. 

The Youth Lab consists of small group workshops led by experts. Participants will delve into disinformation by foreign actors on different media platforms in three groups. Each group will work on a different media outlet: 

  1. X (previously Twitter) 

  2. Photo/video based social media (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) 

  3. News media 

The programme of the Youth Lab also includes an excursion to a relevant expert organisation in the field of disinformation.

Participants of the Youth Lab have the chance of being selected as ‘Youth Ambassadors’. RADAR ‘Youth Ambassadors’ will be selected among the participants in the 5 youth labs organized by RADAR partners around Europe to participate in the Brussels Youth Workshop (1-2 February 2024). They will devise practical recommendations for EU action against disinformation in their communities. These recommended actions will be presented to relevant EU interlocutors in the final concluding conference in Brussels, where a large debate on disinformation will also unfold. 

RADAR provides an opportunity to discuss disinformation and hybrid operations by foreign actors with experts and peers, as well as to network with people working in the field. Participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Eligibility 

The Youth Lab is addressed to people of age 18-30 residing in any EU country, regardless of their nationality, educational and professional statuses. The events will be held in English, and thus a good knowledge of English is necessary.  

Costs 

There is no participation fee. FIIA offers accommodation in Helsinki and transportation to/from Helsinki to participants who come from outside the capital city region. FIIA also offers dinner on the evening of the 26th and lunch/coffee on the 27th. 

How to apply 

Apply to these exciting events by filling out the application form here. Kindly add your CV in a .pdf format. The deadline for applications is 8 October (midnight, EEST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Selected participants will be contacted via email. 

For further information: 

Minna Ålander 
Research Fellow 
minna.alander@fiia.fi