Morgridge Investigator Dietram Scheufele recently received the 2024 American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS) Fellowship and the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Hilldale Award in recognition of his work on public engagement with science and technology.
AAPSS Fellows are recognized for their contributions to social science and the American public’s understanding of social dynamics. This year, Scheufele was named the Harold Lasswell Fellow.
Each year, the UW–Madison faculty divisions honor members with Hilldale Awards to recognize their contributions to teaching, research and service. One faculty member is selected from each division — representing the arts and humanities, biological sciences, physical sciences and social science fields. Accompanying the recognition is a $7,500 award and commendation at the April 1 Faculty Senate Meeting.
As an investigator in the Science Communication Incubator Lab (SCI Lab) at Morgridge, Scheufele’s research examines the cross-section between political communication, public opinion, and science and technology policy making. His most recent publication investigates the relationship between productivity in scientists and their willingness to engage with the public.
He also serves as the Taylor-Bascom Chair and director of Academic Programs for Life Science Communications at UW–Madison, where he spearheaded the PhD minor and graduate certificate programs that expanded student access to science communication research and practical application.
‘Fearless science,’ as we call it at Morgridge, is partly about our own work, and partly about elevating the next generation of fearless leaders for science and society.
Scheufele is one of the leading experts in his field and a pioneer of developing effective communication strategies to investigate and combat misinformation. His contributions play a central role in not only advancing communication analysis, but also supporting other scientists and trainees in their research endeavors.
“Awards like this are an important reminder to always ‘pay it forward’ without expectation of reciprocity. Throughout my career, I have benefited greatly from others who promoted my work, often without public recognition or benefit to themselves,” says Scheufele. “‘Fearless science,’ as we call it at Morgridge, is partly about our own work, and partly about elevating the next generation of fearless leaders for science and society.”