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[The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) 2. Populism and Conspiracy - a European Study by the University of Salzburg Populism and Conspiracy - a European Study by the University of Salzburg ======================================================================== 6 November 2025 Which factors increase susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs related to COVID-19, science, immigration, and climate change? A research project, led by Professor Reinhard Heinisch at the University of Salzburg, explores the interaction between populism and conspiracy theories. ![](/storage/files/november-2025.jpg)Photo © thanarak– stock.adobe.com The study, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), addresses the growing radicalisation of political and public discourse, particularly in relation to science and expertise – most notably within the health sector. It aims to understand how populist figures strategically employ conspiracy narratives, the forms these narratives take, and their impact on society. Four countries under the spotlight ---------------------------------- The focus lies on four countries – Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France – where right-wing populist parties are especially prominent. In this joint endeavour, the University of Lausanne systematically analysed populist and conspiratorial rhetoric in speeches and texts, while the University of Salzburg examined public attitudes. Through experimental surveys, researchers investigated which factors increase susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs related to COVID-19, science, immigration, and climate change. **A key challenge is distinguishing conspiracy beliefs from other radical or anti-establishment positions.** The project also seeks to foreground political factors in a field traditionally dominated by psychological and media-based explanations, while critically assessing the relevance of theories developed in Anglo-American contexts. This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between populism, conspiratorial thinking, and health communication – laying the groundwork for strategies to counter the effects of medical conspiracy theories and contributing meaningfully to science, policy, and public understanding. **Read more in the** [**full story, in German**](http://www.plus.ac.at/news/populismus-und-verschwoerung)**.** ### Latest Highlights: [*Leadership and algorithms or how digital tools affect the role of managers*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/leadership-and-algorithms-how-digital-tools-affect-the-role-of-managers) [*The University of Glasgow improves its position within world top 100 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/the-university-of-glasgow-improves-its-position-within-world-top-100-in-times-higher-education-world-university-rankings) [*90 Years of Sapienza Main Campus: a celebration of renewal and solidarity*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/90-years-of-sapienza-main-campus-a-celebration-of-renewal-and-solidarity) [*UNIL empowers master’s students to co-create research with partners in the field abroad*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/unil-empowers-master-s-students-to-co-create-research-with-partners-in-the-field-abroad) [*Glacier Kebnekaise's southern peak continues to melt*](https://civis.eu/en/get-informed/news/glacier-kebnekaise-s-southern-peak-continues-to-melt) Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/greencarb7-800x600.jpg?token=712f0b091be488273795e6069fdecb4c)Tracing carbon in Greenland’s melting fjords CIVIS Highlights 28 September 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/tracing-carbon-in-greenland-s-melting-fjords) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/tr2-800x600.jpg?token=7ef6de17ebf4f78056295caacae897a5)One year of TRACEE, one step closer to making the world a better place Study programmes 17 September 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/one-year-of-tracee-one-step-closer-to-making-the-world-a-better-place) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/website-horizontal-photos-800x600.jpg?token=d97cb41058d3762a3bf0b56c2f5ddbd2)Ancient genomes reveal the unique history of the extinct cave lion CIVIS Highlights 15 June 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/ancient-genomes-reveal-the-unique-history-of-the-extinct-cave-lion) [ Discover all our stories ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) [ 300,000-year-old Genomes: History of the Schöningen Horses Deciphered ](%20https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/300-000-year-old-genomes-history-of-the-schoningen-horses-deciphered%20) [ Leadership and algorithms or how digital tools affect the role of managers ](%20https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/leadership-and-algorithms-or-how-digital-tools-affect-the-role-of-managers%20) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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