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National Center for Narrative Intelligence

WHAT WE DO

The National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI) at the University of Mississippi is an interdisciplinary research and consulting center focused on the origins, evolution and spreading of narratives in today’s world. As the first and only center of its kind in the United States, NCNI convenes leaders and experts across academic, government and commercial sectors as they gather data, pool insights, share strategies and advance the field.

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Our Research

The National Center for Narrative Intelligence (NCNI) seeks to empower leaders, organizations and the public with a deeper understanding of how stories can shape our perceptions and reality, and in turn be shaped by them.
NCNI researchers in discussion at a roundtable.
NCNI researchers having a roundtable discussion at the University of Mississippi.

Foundational Research

NCNI serves as a connection point and clearinghouse for researchers across institutions, who collaborate in working groups. NCNI experts are defining and pursuing the field’s fundamental areas of inquiry.

Experts and Advisors
NCNI researchers in discussion with other researchers.
NCNI researcher looking at papers.

Applied Research

NCNI brings research insights into the real world, working with partners in government and private industry to solve problems and deepen understanding. It adds expertise in areas like public policy and strategic communication, helping leaders respond to narratives effectively.

About the Center
NCNI Researcher giving a presentation.
Room full of police men at a conference.

Workforce Development

NCNI equips decision-makers and their teams to understand how narratives affect audiences’ thoughts and behavior, and provides training on ways to ethically advance counter-narratives. Its scope includes a focus on preparing students and young professionals to apply narrative intelligence in the workplace.

NCNI researcher giving a presentation.
NCNI researcher speaking with other researchers.

Consulting

NCNI collaborators help organizations effectively employ tools and technologies to track and analyze narratives in real time and at scale. Its experts equip teams to understand the potential and limitations of these tools, so that human decision-makers are in control of how they apply AI-sourced insights.

Meet our co-directors

Contact our co-directors to access NCNI’s network of experts for media interviews, training engagements and consulting.
Andrea Hickerson

Andrea Hickerson

  • Dean of the School of Journalism and New Media and Professor of Journalism
Wes Jennings

Wes Jennings

  • Chair and Professor of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies

Research News

A man wearing a suit talks at a lectern in a conference room as people on the front row listen.
Events

Narrative Intelligence to Fill 'Critical Hole' In National Security

OXFORD, Miss. – Narratives shape perspectives of the world, from posts on social media to television, blogs and digital signage. To harness and understand those narratives, the next generation of the workforce must understand narrative intelligence.