Public Tech Media Lab Fellowship and Research Community at the University of Wisconsin–Madison: Join a Global Network Advancing Media, Technology, and Democracy

The rapidly evolving relationship between technology, journalism, media, and democratic societies presents some of the most important challenges and opportunities of our time. From artificial intelligence and digital platforms to data governance, misinformation, civic engagement, and public interest technology, addressing these issues requires collaboration across disciplines, professions, and communities.

The Public Tech Media Lab (PTML) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is inviting applications from scholars, researchers, journalists, technologists, academic staff, and community leaders who are passionate about exploring and shaping the future of media, technology, and democracy.

PTML offers a unique interdisciplinary environment where members can collaborate on innovative research, participate in thought-provoking discussions, access funding opportunities, and contribute to projects that advance the public good.

For individuals seeking a vibrant intellectual community focused on public interest technologies and their impact on journalism and democratic life, joining the Public Tech Media Lab represents an exciting opportunity to connect with experts across multiple fields while contributing to meaningful research and practice.

About the Public Tech Media Lab

The Public Tech Media Lab is housed at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and serves as a collaborative hub dedicated to understanding, designing, and implementing technologies that support journalism, democratic participation, and the public interest.

The Lab is built on a core belief:

No single discipline can adequately address the increasingly complex challenges posed by emerging technologies and their influence on media ecosystems and democratic institutions.

As a result, PTML brings together experts from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds to develop interdisciplinary solutions and generate new knowledge at the intersection of:

• Technology
• Journalism
• Media
• Democracy
• Public Policy
• Civic Engagement
• Public Interest Innovation

The Lab creates opportunities for collaboration, experimentation, research, and practical engagement among individuals who share a commitment to strengthening democratic societies through responsible technological development.

Why the Public Tech Media Lab Matters

Technology increasingly shapes how people access information, engage with public affairs, and participate in democratic processes.

Key issues facing societies today include:

• Artificial intelligence in journalism
• Information integrity
• Misinformation and disinformation
• Digital platform accountability
• Media trust and credibility
• Data privacy and governance
• Public participation in technology design
• Ethical technology development
• Civic technology innovation

Addressing these challenges requires expertise from many different sectors and disciplines.

The Public Tech Media Lab serves as a platform where these diverse perspectives can come together to produce impactful research and practical solutions.

Who Can Join the Public Tech Media Lab?

PTML welcomes individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.

Potential members include:

Graduate Students

Graduate students interested in exploring the intersection of technology, media, and democracy can participate in collaborative research initiatives and connect with leading scholars and practitioners.

Faculty Members

Faculty members whose teaching and research align with PTML’s mission are encouraged to apply and become part of a growing interdisciplinary network.

Academic Staff

Academic professionals engaged in teaching, research, outreach, and public engagement activities related to media and technology can contribute valuable expertise to the Lab community.

Journalists

Journalists seeking to better understand technological change and its effects on news production, distribution, and public trust can engage with researchers and technologists through PTML initiatives.

Technologists

Technology professionals interested in public interest technology, ethical design, and democratic innovation can collaborate with scholars and media experts on real-world challenges.

Community Partners

Organizations and individuals working within communities can help ensure that research and technological development remain responsive to public needs and societal concerns.

Areas of Expertise and Disciplines Represented

The Lab actively encourages applications from individuals with backgrounds in:

Media and Communication Fields

• Journalism
• Media Studies
• Communication
• Digital Media

Social Sciences

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Public Policy
• International Affairs

Technology and Innovation

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Human-Computer Interaction

Legal and Governance Fields

• Law
• Digital Rights
• Technology Policy
• Information Governance

Design and User Experience

• Design Research
• User-Centered Design
• Civic Design
• Digital Innovation

The interdisciplinary nature of PTML is one of its greatest strengths, enabling members to learn from perspectives outside their primary area of expertise.

Faculty and Academic Staff Associate Opportunities

The Public Tech Media Lab specifically welcomes applications from faculty members and academic staff who demonstrate a strong commitment to the Lab’s mission.

Applicants may qualify if they:

1. Teach Relevant Courses

Faculty and staff who teach courses addressing themes related to:

• Journalism
• Media
• Technology
• Democracy
• Public Interest Innovation

are encouraged to apply.

2. Conduct Relevant Research

Researchers whose work explores the relationship between media, technology, public life, democratic participation, or civic engagement may be strong candidates for membership.

3. Demonstrate Commitment to PTML’s Mission

Applicants who show an intellectual, pedagogical, or practical commitment to advancing interdisciplinary understanding of media and technology are welcomed into the community.

Benefits of Becoming a PTML Member

Membership in the Public Tech Media Lab offers numerous professional and academic advantages.

1. Interdisciplinary Networking Opportunities

Members gain access to a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, journalists, policymakers, and technologists.

This environment promotes:

• Knowledge sharing
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Interdisciplinary learning
• Cross-sector partnerships

2. Access to Funding Opportunities

PTML members may become eligible to apply for Lab-supported funding opportunities that can help advance research projects, collaborative initiatives, and innovative experiments.

3. Research Collaboration

Members can participate in collaborative research initiatives that address pressing issues at the intersection of technology, media, and democracy.

These collaborations often involve:

• Academic researchers
• Industry professionals
• Journalists
• Public institutions
• Community organizations

4. Opportunities to Present Research

PTML programming provides opportunities for members to:

• Present ongoing research
• Share project findings
• Receive feedback from peers
• Engage in scholarly discussions

5. Engagement with Journalists and Policymakers

Members benefit from direct interaction with:

• Journalists
• Technology experts
• Government officials
• Policy leaders
• Civic innovators

These connections can expand the reach and impact of research and public engagement efforts.

6. Invitations to Workshops and Events

PTML hosts a variety of events designed to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.

These may include:

• Research seminars
• Workshops
• Guest lectures
• Networking events
• Public discussions
• Collaborative working groups

7. Supportive Intellectual Community

Perhaps the greatest benefit of membership is becoming part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to advancing knowledge and public interest outcomes through technology and media innovation.

Building the Future of Public Interest Technology

The Public Tech Media Lab seeks to foster a future where technological development serves democratic values and public needs.

By bringing together experts from different disciplines and sectors, the Lab creates opportunities to:

• Develop innovative research agendas
• Explore emerging technologies responsibly
• Strengthen journalism ecosystems
• Improve democratic participation
• Advance public interest technology
• Create meaningful societal impact

For individuals passionate about shaping the future of media, technology, and democracy, PTML offers a dynamic environment for collaboration, learning, and leadership.

Deadline:

Apply by 1 August 2026

How to Apply

Interested individuals can submit an application through the Public Tech Media Lab’s membership application process.

Prospective members are encouraged to review the Lab’s mission, research priorities, and membership expectations before applying.

Faculty, academic staff, graduate students, journalists, technologists, and community partners who share PTML’s vision of advancing media, technology, and democracy through interdisciplinary collaboration are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply here

For more information, visit the official website

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