Assistant Professor · Leiden University
I'm Lauren Leek, a political economist and social data scientist using text-as-data, applied causal inference, machine learning, surveys and data visualisation to make sense of institutions, cities and culture.
The data scientist Lauren Leek says predictive algorithms are flattening the everyday world, from pub menus to pop lyrics.
Photographs: Joanna Yee
My work has been featured in The New York Times, 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.
Inspiration Forum, Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival (Jihlava, CZ) · 24 Oct 2026
Panel: “Does It Exist If It’s Not on the Map? How Algorithms Change the Space Around Us” (with Zdeněk Stachoň, Michal Plánka, Matouš Hrdina)Photographs: Radek Lavicka
Keynotes, seminars, panels and workshops on central banks, AI, and how digital platforms shape everyday life.
Outside work, you will probably find me cycling, running, or looking for the best food.