Esther Hammelburg
Professor by special appointment Hybrid realities
Esther Hammelburg researches media (technologies) in our society. She is particularly interested in hybridisation: the increasing overlap between digital media (technologies) and physical environments. In her work, she always examines what this means for people and society.
In 2021, she was awarded a PhD for her research into media use amongst festival-goers, for which she received the Boekman Dissertation Prize. She investigated the power of a live experience and how this is created in contemporary events involving media. Esther’s thesis and a comprehensive summary of it in Dutch (including design principles) can be found here. Drawing on this research, Esther assists organisations in the cultural sector with the design of hybrid events, exhibitions, media formats, apps and immersive installations. To this end, she developed the Hybrid Design Canvas (to be published in June 2026). Esther’s current research focuses on the impact of hybridisation on social and mental health, public debate (polarisation), information flows, public space and the media.
In addition to her role as a lecturer, Esther is director of the Society 5.0 Festival and leads a programme stream within the Centre of Expertise Creative Innovation.
Areas of expertise
Media & technology | Hybridisation | Digital culture | Civic social media | Disinformation | Deathtech
Other roles
- Director of the Society 5.0 Festival
- Programme Lead at the Centre of Expertise for Creative Innovation
Contact
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Linkedin: connect with Esther (opens in new window)
About Esther Hammelburg
Esther Hammelburg researches how media and technology are transforming our society. In 2021, she was awarded a PhD for her research into media usage among festival-goers, for which she received the Boekman Dissertation Prize. Drawing on this research, she supports organisations in the cultural sector in designing hybrid events, exhibitions, media formats, apps and immersive installations. To this end, she developed the Hybrid Design Canvas.
Her current research focuses on the impact of hybridisation on social and mental health, public debate, information flows, public space and the media. Her work includes research into civic social media, deathtech, the hybrid lived world of young people and the spread of disinformation via online platforms and live streams.
In addition to her role as a professor, Esther is director of the Society 5.0 Festival and leads a programme stream within the Centre of Expertise Creative Innovation.