The Institute for Media Studies (IMS) produces critical scientific research in four domains: journalism and news, strategic communication, human-computer interaction and media culture. For Gam(e)(a)ble, its expertise in social media, video games, and interaction design are particularly relevant.Within IMS, the Meaningful Interactions Lab (Mintlab) specializes in new technologies and convergence, interactions in online media, as well as design for/with children. Mintlab engages with various stakeholders in a research, design and dissemination process which questions, envisions and encourages interactions through technology  that make a difference in people's lives. For Gam(e)(a)ble, IMS and Mintlab collaborate with LUCA School of Arts on WP1 on media research.

Rozane De Cock is associate professor in Communication Sciences at the Institute for Media Studies of KU Leuven (Belgium) and director of the Brussels Center for Journalism Studies (BCJS, KU Leuven campus Brussels). She is principal investigator of the SBO-FWO Gam(e)(a)ble research project on the blurring lines between gaming and gambling among teenagers.  In her research, she studies news production, news use and news effects next to internet use and riskful issues such as problematic gaming and excessive use of social networking sites.

Tim Smits is a full professor in persuasion and marketing communication at the KU Leuven Institute for Media Studies and the current vice dean of education at the KU Leuven Faculty of Social Sciences. His research mainly focuses on persuasive processes and psychological effects in marketing communication targeting children and adolescents. The understanding of these techniques can then be used in policy recommendations, but also in a further test of how these techniques can be applied from a social marketing perspective persuading for healthy or socially desirable behaviors.​

As a PhD candidate in Social Sciences (and lifelong enthusiast of gaming), Maarten's media-tech research focuses on unraveling gambling(-like) mechanics and aesthetics in video games towards a clear taxonomy. Are boundaries between gaming and gambling becoming increasingly blurred, and what are the ethical implications of this when it comes to game design?

Bruno is in charge of the overall organization of the project: collaborations, scientific agenda, communication, and valorization. Besides this task, he participates in the media research part of Gam(e)(a)ble through bringing up his expertise in game and media studies, particularly from a semiotic and media education point of view. His research interests include depictions of video games in media, intermedia phenomena, and video game literacy.   

Bieke's work lies primarily at the intersection of human-computer interaction research and communication sciences. She is research group leader of the Meaningful Interactions Lab (Mintlab), part of the Institute for Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium.

Eva graduated as a Master in Communication Sciences at KU Leuven. She also holds a Masters degree in Management and Business Economics. In her studies, Eva always had a strong interest in advertising, marketing, and persuasive techniques.

Now, as a PhD Candidate at Mintlab and IMS (KU Leuven), she will focus on the different persuasive media techniques (including ads, sponsorship, and social media influencers) used to advertise games that include gambling elements.