Prof. Virgilio Almeida’s research centers on algorithmic and digital governance, social computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and ethics. His work bridges theory and practice, examining how algorithmic systems reshape institutions and impact society.
He is the author of Governance for the Digital World (2020) and Algorithmic Institutionalism (2023), the latter of which argues for the democratization of algorithmic power. In addition to his focus on digital governance, Prof. Almeida is a recognized authority in computing systems performance. His influential book Capacity Planning for Web Performance (1989) has been adopted in graduate programs worldwide and translated into multiple languages. His current research combines theoretical analysis of institutional change with empirical studies on platform governance and the societal impacts of algorithms. On the theoretical side, he integrates political science and computer science to develop the concept of algorithmic institutions, particularly in the context of AI agent governance. On the empirical side, his work focuses on the role of large language models (LLMs) in shaping public discourse—especially how LLMs represent and disseminate information about global challenges such as education and climate change. Beyond academia, Prof. Almeida is active in public science communication and interdisciplinary collaboration. His columns in national media explore digital governance, AI ethics, and the broader societal consequences of digital transformation.
