The Observatory
The project

The Observatory

Narratives are the primary structures through which the human mind orders and understands reality. They are not merely “stories” – they are the cognitive building blocks of the public sphere and the fundamental vehicles for the spread of ideas.

In an era defined by a growing fragmentation of meaning, where traditional facts often fail to bridge social divides, understanding the role of narratives in shaping public opinion has become critical for all societal actors. At the Narratives Observatory Combatting Disinformation in Europe Systemically (NODES), we move beyond the symptoms of disinformation to address its root cause: the underlying mental frameworks that dictate how information is received, processed, and believed.

How We Perceive Reality

Modern psychology and neuroscience have confirmed that human understanding is inherently constructive. To navigate a complex world, the brain requires simplifying structures to process a vast influx of data. Social reality is not a fixed object; it is co-created through interaction, debate, and the narratives we share.

When societies make choices that appear rationally counterintuitive, it is often because of a clash between these deeply ingrained mental frames. At the  NODES Observatory, we provide the Narrative Intelligence required to decipher these structures, identifying the “narrative traps” that block objective reasoning and foster division and polarization.

Building on the foundational insights of the EC-funded “Mechanisms that Shape Social Media and their Impact on Society” (SMART 2017/0090) initiative, the European Narratives Observatory (NODES) was established as a world-class, interdisciplinary laboratory led by Re-Imagine Europa. The founding NODES consortium included leading European institutions such as Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Centre de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), PlusValue, Sotrender, Science Feedback, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia. Since its inception, NODES has evolved to become the preeminent European authority in deciphering the mechanics of narrative-based disinformation and polarization under the leadership of Re-Imagine Europa’s Chief Executive, Erika Staël von Holstein; and RIE’s Narratives Director, Professor Andrzej Nowak.

By integrating expertise in cognitive sciences, social pshycology, data science, and communication, we deployed a proprietary, transferable methodology designed to dismantle legacy frames and construct the narrative bridges essential for democratic resilience. We empower a diverse spectrum of societal actors -including governments, international foundations, NGOs, and the private sector – to navigate today’s complex information ecosystem with clarity and purpose.”

Strategic Services for a Resilient Future

In an increasingly complex geopolitical and digital landscape, understanding the narrative environment is a prerequisite for successful leadership and effective policy. We support public and private institutions by delivering tailored and actionable strategies and tools:

  • Narrative Audits: We provide data-driven, bespoke analyses of the narrative landscape surrounding your organisation or sector, identifying risks and opportunities for reframing.

  • Executive Training & Workshops: Specialized programs designed to equip leaders with the tools to navigate polarized discourses and lead with narrative coherence.

  • Keynote Presentations & Briefings: Expert insights on the intersection of narrative science, digital governance, and the future of the European project.

Engage with the Observatory

Stay at the forefront of narrative research and strategic reframing.