Populism and Conspiracy - a European Study by the University of Salzburg – Noticias – CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance [Ir al contenido](#main) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-02-Dh7f4uYd.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-08-Bbt_UM7-.svg) ![](https://civis.eu/build/assets/circle-05-Dj7Wr3Es.svg) [ ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg)](https://civis.eu/es) - [ Descubrir ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance) - [ ¿Qué es CIVIS? ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis) - [ Nuestro trabajo ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work) - [ Misión, Visión & Valores ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-institutional-journey) - [ Gobernanza & Gestión ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/governance-andamp-management) - [ Quién es quién ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) - [ CIVIS Association ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/civis-association) [Open Labs & compromiso cívico ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Aprender ](https://civis.eu/es/learn) - [ Blended Intensive Programmes ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/blended-intensive-programmes) - [ Aprendizaje flexible ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/build-your-learning-path-with-our-modular-offer) - [ Programas de Máster ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/find-your-master-s-programme) - [ Staff weeks & Job Shadowing ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/keep-on-learning-with-staff-weeks-andamp-job-shadowing) - [ Estudiar fuera ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/study-abroad-and-connect-with-civis-universities) [Discover the projects led by our students in 2025-2026 ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026) [CIVIS Museum University Forum ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/CIVIS-Museum-University-Forum) - [ Enseñar ](https://civis.eu/es/teach) - [ Convocatorias de proyectos ](https://civis.eu/es/teach/civis-calls) - [ Innovación pedagógica ](https://civis.eu/es/teach/innovate-your-teaching) - [ Recursos para educadores ](https://civis.eu/es/teach/resources-for-educators) [BIPs de CIVIS: gran impacto y alta satisfacción, según un nuevo informe ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/civis-bips-strong-impact-and-high-satisfaction-new-report-finds) [Cuando el arte habla más alto que los titulares: participantes de CIVIS Open Lab reivindican el concepto de hogar ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/when-art-speaks-louder-than-headlines-civis-open-lab-reclaims-the-meaning-of-home) - [ Investigar ](https://civis.eu/es/research) - [ Colaboración científica ](https://civis.eu/es/research/research-collaboration) - [ Carreras, redes y movilidad ](https://civis.eu/es/research/research-careers-networks-and-projects) - [ Recursos para la investigación ](https://civis.eu/es/research/resources-for-researchers) [Soy académico(a)/ investigador(a) ](https://civis.eu/es/soy-academico-a-investigador-a) [Frente a retos comunes, soluciones conjuntas para África y Europa ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/facing-common-challenges-shaping-joint-solutions-for-africa-and-europe) - [ Conectar ](https://civis.eu/es/connect) - [ Newsletters ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/newsletters) - [ CIVIS Days ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/civis-days) - [ Sociedad Civil ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Contáctenos ](https://civis.eu/es/contact) - [ Zona de prensa & Branding ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) [Quién es quién ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) [Fake It Till You News It: Challenges and Solutions in Modern Media Student Innovation Forum ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026/civis-creathon-contest) [ Historias ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom) es - [ en ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ de ](https://civis.eu/de/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ fr ](https://civis.eu/fr/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ el ](https://civis.eu/el/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ it ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ sv ](https://civis.eu/sv/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ ro ](https://civis.eu/ro/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) Menu - [Descubrir](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-29) - [ ¿Qué es CIVIS? ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis) - [ Nuestro trabajo ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work) - [ Misión, Visión & Valores ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-institutional-journey) - [ Gobernanza & Gestión ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/governance-andamp-management) - [ Quién es quién ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/who-is-who) - [ CIVIS Association ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/civis-association) - [Aprender](https://civis.eu/es/learn) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-30) - [ Blended Intensive Programmes ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/blended-intensive-programmes) - [ Aprendizaje flexible ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/build-your-learning-path-with-our-modular-offer) - [ Programas de Máster ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/find-your-master-s-programme) - [ Staff weeks & Job Shadowing ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/keep-on-learning-with-staff-weeks-andamp-job-shadowing) - [ Estudiar fuera ](https://civis.eu/es/learn/study-abroad-and-connect-with-civis-universities) - [Enseñar](https://civis.eu/es/teach) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-31) - [ Convocatorias de proyectos ](https://civis.eu/es/teach/civis-calls) - [ Innovación pedagógica ](https://civis.eu/es/teach/innovate-your-teaching) - [ Recursos para educadores ](https://civis.eu/es/teach/resources-for-educators) - [Investigar](https://civis.eu/es/research) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-32) - [ Colaboración científica ](https://civis.eu/es/research/research-collaboration) - [ Carreras, redes y movilidad ](https://civis.eu/es/research/research-careers-networks-and-projects) - [ Recursos para la investigación ](https://civis.eu/es/research/resources-for-researchers) - [Conectar](https://civis.eu/es/connect) [ Toggle submenu ](#primary-nav-sm-collapse-33) - [ Newsletters ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/newsletters) - [ CIVIS Days ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/civis-days) - [ Sociedad Civil ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Contáctenos ](https://civis.eu/es/contact) - [ Zona de prensa & Branding ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) [ Historias ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom) es - [ en ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ de ](https://civis.eu/de/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ fr ](https://civis.eu/fr/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ el ](https://civis.eu/el/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ it ](https://civis.eu/it/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ sv ](https://civis.eu/sv/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) - [ ro ](https://civis.eu/ro/the-civis-newsroom/populism-and-conspiracy-a-european-study-by-the-university-of-salzburg) 1. [The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/es/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 ========================================================================== CIVIS Highlights 6 de noviembre de 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/hannahpelikan-2024-liu-7637-800x600.jpg?token=e69d69aad40de681ca5eedde6851d655)Timing challenge for self-driving cars CIVIS Highlights 9 de marzo de 2026 ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/timing-challenge-for-self-driving-cars) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/dictionaries-800x600.jpg?token=028d7ffc1ba206cdd38fa50e28ac0083)The 18th‑century dictionary craze vs today’s AI anxiety CIVIS Highlights 11 de febrero de 2026 ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/the-18th-century-dictionary-craze-vs-today-s-ai-anxiety) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/packing-for-fieldtrip-2-800x600.jpg?token=fbeffdd50a352350172f1cfbeddffc33)Antarctic expedition searches for clues to future sea-level rise CIVIS Highlights 8 de enero de 2026 ](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/antarctic-expedition-searches-for-clues-to-future-sea-level-rise) [Descubra todas nuestras historias](https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom) [ 300,000-year-old Genomes: History of the Schöningen Horses Deciphered ](< https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/300-000-year-old-genomes-history-of-the-schoningen-horses-deciphered >) [ Leadership and algorithms or how digital tools affect the role of managers ](< https://civis.eu/es/the-civis-newsroom/leadership-and-algorithms-or-how-digital-tools-affect-the-role-of-managers >) ![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). Neither can be held responsible for them. ### Gente - [ Estudiantes ](https://civis.eu/es/i-am-a-student) - [ Académicos e investigadores ](https://civis.eu/es/soy-academico-a-investigador-a) - [ Administradores ](https://civis.eu/es/i-am-an-administrator) - [ Sociedad Civil ](https://civis.eu/es/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/open-labs-civic-engagement) - [ Zona de prensa & Branding ](https://civis.eu/es/connect/press-corner-branding-toolkit) ### Useful links - [ Recursos ](https://civis.eu/es/resources) - [ Ágora CIVIS ](https://civis.eu/es/civis-agora-the-operational-hub-of-the-civis-digital-campus) - [ Iniciativa de Universidades europeas ](https://civis.eu/es/european-universities-initiative) - [ Eventos pasados ](https://civis.eu/es/past-events) - [ Contacto ](https://civis.eu/es/contact) [Newsletters](https://civis.eu/es/connect/newsletters) ### Social networks - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/instagram.svg) Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/civis.eu/) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/linkedin.svg) LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/civis-eu) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/facebook.svg) Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/CIVISEuropeanUniversity/) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/youtube.svg) YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCm0FfreX81BuNH-znlRGQ) © 2026 – CIVIS – All rights reserved - [ Cookie Policy ](https://civis.eu/es/politica-de-cookies) - [ Privacy policy ](https://civis.eu/es/privacy-policy) Website by [Typi Design](https://typi.be) • Design by [Atelier Milky](https://ateliermilky.com) [ ](#top) Search