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Philip Di Salvo

Philip Di Salvo

Philip Di Salvo

PhD

PostDoc Research Assistant

SHSS-HSG / MCM
Blumenbergplatz 9

9000 St Gallen
Main Focuses

Investigative journalism

Internet surveillance

Hacking

Leaks

Whistleblowing

Education
  • PhD in Communication Sciences - Magna cum Laude (2018)
    Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
  • MA in Media Management (2012)
    Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
  • BA in Lettere (2010)
    Università degli Studi di Milano (Unimi)
Professional Career
  • Visiting Fellow (SNSF - Early Post.Doc Mobility grant)
    Department of Media and Communications
    The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - London, UK
    (2021-2022)
  • Post-doctoral researcher and lecturer
    Institute of Media and Journalism (IMeG)
    Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) - Lugano, Switzerland
    (2018-2021)
  • Lecturer
    Nuova Accademia di Belle arti (NABA) - Milano, Italy
    (2018-2020)
  • PhD candidate and research assistant
    Institute of Media and Journalism (IMeG)
    Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) - Lugano, Switzerland
    (2012-2018)
     
Additional Information

Dr. Philip Di Salvo is a researcher and lecturer at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland. His primary research interests include investigative journalism, internet surveillance, the intersection of journalism and hacking, and black box technologies. At HSG, Philip contributes to the Human Error Project, which explores the limitations of algorithms in interpreting human behavior. Previously, he served as a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) from 2021 to 2022. From 2012 to 2021, he held various research and teaching roles at the Institute of Media and Journalism, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). In the summer of 2024, Philip was a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University. Between 2018 and 2020, he also taught as a Lecturer at NABA – New Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy. Philip earned his PhD in Communication Sciences from USI in the summer of 2018, with a dissertation focusing on the adoption of encrypted whistleblowing platforms in journalism. As a freelance journalist, Philip has contributed to publications such as Wired, Motherboard/Vice, and Esquire, covering the societal impacts of technology. Additionally, he hosts a monthly technology-focused radio show for Milan-based Radio Raheem. Philip is the author of two books: "Leaks. Whistleblowing e hacking nell’età senza segreti" (LUISS University Press, Rome, 2019) and "Digital Whistleblowing Platforms in Journalism. Encrypting Leaks" (Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2020). He also serves on the board of DIG Festival, an international investigative journalism event held in Italy.

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