Mr Derek Bowler

Derek Bowler graduated from University of Limerick with a degree in Journalism and New Media after beginning his studies as a mature student in 2011. During his time at UL, he served as Chief Reporter and later Editor of the Limerick Voice, while also gaining experience in broadcasting and digital journalism.

His career began at Storyful, where he specialised in the verification of social media content and eyewitness evidence during major global events, including the Syrian conflict, the MH17 disaster and the rise of ISIS. He later joined the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), where he spent almost a decade helping to transform how public service broadcasters use digital verification, open-source intelligence (OSINT) and fact-checking techniques.

Among his achievements, Derek established the Eurovision Social Newswire and founded Eurovision News Spotlight, a network bringing together journalists and forensic investigators from more than 30 public service media organisations. He contributed to major international investigations, including inquiries into the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russia's policies in occupied Ukrainian territories.

As a member of the EBU Academy faculty, Derek developed and delivered digital forensic and OSINT training to thousands of journalists across more than 50 countries. He also contributed to the Academy's School of AI programme, which received the European Digital Skills Award in 2025.

In 2024, he co-authored Eyewitness Textures, a study of visual evidence in digital journalism. In 2026, he founded Signal and Shadow, an independent consultancy providing OSINT training and investigative support to media organisations around the world.

Derek credits University of Limerick with providing the foundation, resilience and opportunities that shaped his career and continues to guide his work today.