Miral AlAshry | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Miral AlAshry | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  The European Universities in Egypt (EUE), Egypt.

Dr. Miral Sabry AlAshry is a prominent academic and media professional whose work bridges academia, journalism, and practical applications in media safety and communication. She holds multiple influential positions, including Professor and Director of the Media and Communication BA program at the University of East London’s European Universities in Egypt (EUE) campus. Dr. AlAshry co-leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division at the Centre for Freedom of the Media, University of Sheffield, and serves as an academic expert on journalist safety at the University of Liverpool. Her extensive contributions range from research and publication to active participation in media initiatives focused on journalism safety, media ethics, and freedom of information. Dr. AlAshry’s work is recognized internationally, making her a notable figure in media studies, with significant contributions to policy discussions on media freedom and cybersecurity in journalistic contexts.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. AlAshry’s academic journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in media and communication studies. She has completed advanced degrees in journalism and mass communication, with a focus on social sciences, from reputable institutions. Her education laid the groundwork for her interdisciplinary approach to media studies, allowing her to effectively examine complex topics like media freedom, cybersecurity, and journalistic safety within conflict zones. Her academic background has not only informed her research methodologies but also underpins her teaching philosophy, allowing her to lead degree programs and mentor students with a well-rounded perspective on contemporary media issues.

 

Experience

With a career spanning academia, media, and research, Dr. AlAshry has extensive experience in media studies and journalism. She holds the position of professor and director for the Media and Communication BA program at the University of East London (EUE). Additionally, she co-leads the MENA region at the Centre for Freedom of the Media at the University of Sheffield, where she focuses on media freedom and safety. Dr. AlAshry is also actively engaged as a reporter, covering conflict in regions like Libya for Eurasia Review. Her hands-on involvement in media and journalism, combined with her academic expertise, provides a unique lens for her research on freedom of information, the impact of media regulations, and the safety of journalists.

Research Focus

Dr. AlAshry’s research encompasses media freedom, the safety of journalists, cybersecurity, and the ethical dimensions of journalism, particularly in conflict zones. Her work critically examines how legal and regulatory frameworks in regions like Egypt influence information access and media freedom. Additionally, her studies delve into young people’s perceptions of risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting her interest in social behavior and media’s role in shaping it. She has also explored internal communication’s impact on organizational performance, as well as media’s ethical responsibilities amid crises. Dr. AlAshry’s interdisciplinary research aligns with her active roles in promoting journalist safety and analyzing media’s societal influence, positioning her work at the intersection of academia, policy, and real-world media challenges.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. AlAshry’s accomplishments in media research have garnered numerous awards. In 2024, she received the Best Researcher Award at the International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cryptography for her analysis of Egyptian media laws. In 2023, she earned the Egyptian State Prize in social sciences, and her film “To Hell” secured top recognition at the MEDCOM International Short Film Festival. Dr. AlAshry’s papers on media risk perceptions and internal communication also won the Emerald Literati and Future University in Egypt awards. Her awards underscore her contributions to advancing media studies, ethics, and policy, affirming her as a key figure in the global media research community.

Conclusion

Dr. Miral Sabry AlAshry is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her diverse roles, impactful research contributions, and significant recognition through awards and grants. Her interdisciplinary work, particularly in media freedom, social sciences, and the safety of journalists, has both academic and societal relevance, making her research widely applicable. Addressing areas such as more focused specialization and longitudinal research could further elevate her academic impact. Overall, Dr. AlAshry’s profile reflects a commendable blend of academic rigor, practical engagement, and a commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in media and communication studies.

 

Publication Top Notes  

“Arab journalists have no place: Authorities use digital surveillance to control investigative reporting”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2024
Journal: Communication and Society, 37(1), pp. 61–77
Citations: 3

“From restrictions on freedom of expression and access to COVID-19: Open-source data in investigative Arab journalism”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2024
Book Chapter: Data Journalism and the COVID-19 Disruption, pp. 193–208
Citations: 0

“Arab authorities use digital surveillance to control press freedom: journalists’ perceptions”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 25(3), pp. 250–266
Citations: 2

“Journalistic censorship during COVID-19 by using the Egyptian Communicable Diseases Law” | Censura Jornalística Durante a COVID-19 Usando a Lei Egípcia de Doenças Transmissíveis
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Brazilian Journalism Research, 19(3), pp. 524–549
Citations: 3

“Contrasting the COVID-19 Effects on Tourism Safety Perceptions and Coping Behavior among Young People during Two Pandemic Waves: Evidence from Egypt”
Authors: Caldeira, A.M., Seabra, C., & AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(12), 7492
Citations: 6

“A critical analysis of journalists’ freedom of expression and access to information while reporting on COVID-19 issues: a case of selected Arab countries”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 20(2), pp. 193–212
Citations: 5

“Investigating the efficacy of the Egyptian Data Protection Law on Media Freedom: Journalists’ perceptions”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Communication and Society, 35(1), pp. 101–118
Citations: 5