Mission
Advancing democratic principles and fostering informed democratic citizenship through rigorous research, educational support, and strategic collaboration.
Center for Information, Democracy & Citizenship
Empowering Democratic Citizenship in the Digital Age
About
About the CIDC
Founded in 2022, the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) addresses critical challenges at the intersection of information, democracy, and citizenship.
As a hub of interdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement, the CIDC is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and critical acumen. Through pioneering initiatives in cognitive security, countering malign influence operations, and promoting digital literacy, the CIDC aims to cultivate a global society resilient against misinformation and equipped to uphold the principles of democracy and informed citizenship. Leveraging AUBG's rich academic resources and its vibrant, diverse community, the CIDC fosters international collaboration and cultural dialogue, making significant contributions to the global discourse on democracy in the digital era.
Mission and Vision
Mission and Vision
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Dedicated to advancing democratic principles and fostering informed democratic citizenship at local, regional, and international levels.
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We envision the CIDC as a globally recognized hub for excellence, known for its commitment to strengthening democratic foundations and promoting engaged citizenship.
Executive Director
About Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob
Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob is the Panitza Memorial Endowed Executive Director of the CIDC. He recently served as the Under-Secretary-General for Research, Evaluation, and Foresight at the Organisation of Southern Cooperation.
He was the Dean of Graduate School and Research at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and the Oversight Chair of the Atiku Institute – the development, research, and enterprise arm of the university. At AUN, he collaborated with UNICEF Nigeria to create the region’s first UNICEF graduate program in Communication for Social and Behavior Change to meet the training needs of communication personnel working in humanitarian, development, and conflict-related sectors in West Africa. His academic career includes positions at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, Dickinson College, and as an adjunct professor of Media in War and Peace at the US Army War College, Carlisle. Jacob earned his PhD in Communication Studies at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Fellowships
The CIDC Fellowship Programs enable the advancement of democracy and democratic values through empowering thought leadership, amplifying global networks, and generating and developing research and policy recommendations. We foster pioneering ideas and projects within our priorities to propose global solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy and civil society. Our fellowships support outstanding individuals committed to democratic values, who want to make a difference in today’s rapidly changing environment, where democratic values are often under threat.
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AUBG invites you to apply for the Christo Grozev Investigative Journalism Fellowship, a cornerstone initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of journalistic talent.
Named after Christo Grozev, a world-renowned investigative journalist and AUBG alum, this fellowship program aims to support early to mid-career journalists who are committed to fearless and ethical journalism.
