Sophie Vériter is a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) of Leiden University and a Europaeum Scholar. Her research focuses on counter-disinformation policies in the European Union, in particular the strategies used by small states to influence their development, and their implications for democracy. Sophie’s interests include in European policy-making, democracy, strategic communication and narratives, technology, as well as the EU’s eastern neighbourhood. 

At Leiden University, Sophie works as a tutor and lecturer for the Minor in Global Affairs and the Honours Class “A Better World is Possible: The Future of Human Security and Global Governance”. She also supports The Hague Journal of Diplomacy as their Book Reviews Editor. She has participated in expert panels and delivered lectures across Europe, including for the European Parliament Research Service, NATO Centre of Excellence, European External Action Service, and European Commission.

Alongside her PhD, Sophie pursues the Europaeum Scholars Programme, a multi-disciplinary policy & leadership course to shape the future of Europe. It revolves around multi-university modules in Oxford, Brussels, Luxembourg, Lisbon, Bologna, Geneva, Helsinki, and Berlin. Sophie’s team is developing an original democratic participation model to reconnect citizens, stakeholders, and policy-makers. 

Previously, Sophie contributed to research projects for Europe’s Stories at the University of Oxford, The Hague Program on International Cyber Security, and the Global Governance Institute in Brussels. For over two years, she worked as a Junior Expert for the EU’s public diplomacy programme in the Eastern Partnership countries, where she launched and coordinated the ‘Young European Ambassadors’ initiative.

Sophie holds a M.Phil. in European Politics and Society from the University of Oxford and a B.A. (summa cum laude) in International Affairs from Vesalius College - Brussels School of Governance in Brussels.