IaKom was established in 2012 by Thomas Friemel, Benjamin Fretwurst and Heinz Bonfadelli as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. Over the years, a network of former graduates and doctoral students has developed around this founding team, from which the respective project teams are made up. This allows IaKom to build on trusted working relationships and at the same time guarantee the best possible fit for each specific project.
Prof. Dr. em. Heinz Bonfadelli
Heinz Bonfadelli was Professor of Journalism Studies and Media Research at the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich (IKMZ) until 2015, where he served as Director for several years. He is undoubtedly one of the most renowned experts in the field of media usage and media effects research in the German-speaking world. In addition to his academic work, he served on supervising bodies for the Swiss radio, television, and print joint industry committees for many years. Furthermore, he is known for his expert in health communication and campaign evaluation. He advises public health promotion institutions in Switzerland and Germany.
Dr. Benjamin Fretwurst, Geschäftsführer
Benjamin Fretwurst is a lecturer in empirical survey methods and statistics at the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich (IKMZ) and has been a visiting professor at the Free University of Berlin on several occasions. He is an internationally recognised expert in the collection, analysis and weighting of empirical data in the field of media use and media effects research, media assessment and evaluation of communication campaigns. Benjamin Fretwurst advises regional and national media companies, industry organisations, regulatory authorities and public institutions. As a member of the Media Science Commission (MWK), he monitors the quality of TV ratings measurement in Switzerland.
Prof. Dr. Thomas N. Friemel
Thomas Friemel is Professor of Media Use and Effects Research and head of the respective division at the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich (IKMZ). He is a recognised expert in the development of digital research methods and the management and evaluation of communication campaigns for public health. Thomas Friemel is chair of an international professional organisation and editor of a journal for health communication. He advises and supports various media companies, national prevention programmes, health organisations, governments and international organisations in Switzerland and abroad.