Javier Sauras, Ph.D.
Department of Communication
Journalism
Digital Media Production
Science, Technology, and Society
Education
Ph.D. in Communication and Media Studies, Columbia University.
M.A. in Journalism, Politics, and Global Affairs, Columbia University.
M.A. in International Journalism, City University of London.
B.S. in Journalism, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Practice Areas
My research examines the intersections of science, technology, and society, with a focus on journalism, politics, and the rise of new information and communications technologies sand platforms.
As a journalist, I have worked on issues of human rights and development across the globe, being a news-wire correspondent in China, covering the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, the civil war and famine in South Sudan, elections and crises in Latin America, and I have been based in Shanghai, London, Bolivia, and New York. My work appears on Al Jazeera English, Der Spiegel, El País, and Internazionale, among other outlets.
Publications and Media Placements
Sauras, J. (2025) Granma, Tell Me the Story of Cuba's Connection to the Internet: An Inquiry into the
Treatment of Information and Communication Technologies in Granma, the Official Voice
of the Cuban Communist Party, Between 1989 and 1999. Columbia Journalism School. Columbia University in the City of New York. – Ph.D.
Dissertation.
Blanco, A. and Sauras, J. (2021). Drawing the curve: A pandemic in graphics. Tow Center for Digital Journalism. – Report.
Sauras, J. (2021). Mediterranean memories of the bomb: Spain's recollection and Italy's
forgetfulness. How the world understands Hiroshima? International coverage on the 75th anniversary
of the atomic bombing. Chuo Kouron Shinsha, Japan. Summer, 2021. – Book Chapter.
Sauras, J. (2020). The guinea pigs of Menlo Park. Latin American media in tubes and flasks. – Report.
Sauras, J. and Schudson, M. (2019). Democratic Distress, Democratic Hope, and Varieties of Democratic Reform. American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Commission on the Practice of Democratic
Citizenship. – White paper.
Conference activity
Sauras, J. (2025) Granma, tell us the story of Cuba's connection to the Internet. World of Change Conference. Madrid, Spain. - Organizing Committee, Panel Chair,
Presenter.
Sauras, J. (2025) Isolation and Communication: The Evolution of Networks — Examining the Internet in
Cuba and North Korea. Sogang University. Seoul, South Korea. - Keynote Address.
Blanco, A. and Sauras, J. (2021). Data Visualization and COVID-19. Computation + Journalism 2021 Symposium. Northeastern University. Boston, USA. –
Presenter.
Sauras, J. (2019). Facebook tampers with democracy: What happened when the social media platform changed
its algorithm. International Communications Association (ICA) conference. Digital Journalism in
Latin America. George Washington University, School of Media and Public Affairs. USA.
Washington D.C., USA. – Presenter.
Sauras, J. (2019). Zapatista propaganda outside of Mexico: Jenaro Amezcua and the international revolution
of the oppressed peoples. Joint Journalism and Communications History Conference. New York University. New
York City, USA. – Presenter.
Honors and Awards
2021: Global Health Journalism Grants. European Journalism Centre - Malaria 2023
2020: Global Health Journalism Grants. European Journalism Centre - The Road to Universal Healthcare
2019: European Science Journalist of the Year - Multimedia and New Formats. Winner
2019: Shorty awards - Websites & Apps, Gaming. Finalist
2019. European Cross-Border Investigative Grant. Journalism Fund - Message in a Plastic Bottle
2018: Gabriel García Márquez Journalism Award - Digital Journalism. Nominee
2018: One World Media Award - Digital Journalism. Nominee
2017: King of Spain in International Journalism award - Digital Journalism. Finalist
2017: One World Media award - Student category. Shortlisted
2017: Innovation in Development Reporting Grant. European Journalism Centre - Coding Like a Girl
2015: Innovation in Development Reporting Grant. European Journalism Centre - Mothers and Children First
2014: Innovation in Development Reporting Grant. European Journalism Centre - Bolivia's Everyday Water War