Dr Gizem Melek is a Senior Lecturer in Media and Broadcast at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research focuses on the interplay between media and politics and spans five main strands: agenda-setting and the influence of journalism on public opinion; the role of visuals in journalism and political communication; climate change communication, particularly how emotions and framing in storytelling shape climate policy support; media framing during crises; and agenda-setting, framing, and self-presentation practices surrounding female athletes on social media. She employs a multi-method approach, combining large-scale surveys, laboratory experiments, and text and visual analysis of media and social media platforms across Turkey, the UK, and the US.

Dr Melek has published in leading international journals, including Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, International Journal of Public Opinion Research, Visual Studies, Communications, and Visual Communication. She has extensive experience leading and contributing to major research projects, serving as principal investigator, co-investigator, consultant, and instructor across interdisciplinary initiatives aligned with her research agenda.

She also held a leadership role within European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA), serving as Chair of the ECREA Women’s Network from January 2023 to October 2024.

With six years of experience in journalism and production across Turkey and the UK, followed by a longstanding academic career since 2011, Dr Melek brings valuable industry insight to her work, ensuring that her teaching is rigorous, research-informed, and closely connected to professional practice. She is equally dedicated to supporting and empowering young talents, particularly female students who are pursuing or aspiring to pursue careers in media or academia, by nurturing their confidence, skills, and professional growth.