Assistant Professor · Leiden University
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Political economist and social data scientist using text-as-data, machine learning and data visualisation to make sense of institutions, cities and culture.
As featured in
ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Lauren Leek. I'm a political economist and social data scientist specialising intext-as-data, applied causal inference, data visualisation, surveys, and machine learning.
My work has been featured in the Financial Times, The Guardian and on BBC Radio 4, and I have spoken at the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the UK Cabinet Office.
Department of Political Science, Leiden University (since August 2026).
I completed my PhD at the European University Institute ()
When I'm not working, you will probably find me cycling, running, or looking for the best food.
Work with me
Keynotes, seminars, panels and workshops on central banks, AI, and how digital platforms shape everyday life.