Global Journalism Innovation Lab research leads Dr. Elizabeth Dubois and Dr. Heidi Tworek have been elected to The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists, recognizing their impactful contributions in the fields of media, technology, and democracy.
The Royal Society of Canada is recognized as the pre-eminent body of independent scholars, researchers, and creative professionals in Canada. The College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists is Canada’s first national system of multidisciplinary recognition for emerging intellectual leaders. Members are selected based on their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to their fields.
Elizabeth Dubois, a faculty member at the University of Ottawa, holds the University Chair in Politics, Communication, and Technology. She is a co-lead for the Policy Implications theme at the GJIL. Her research focuses on political uses of digital media, the role of technology in electoral politics, and combatting disinformation. Dubois also runs the Pol Comm Tech Lab at UOttawa. She is also recognized for her public outreach through media engagements and her podcast, Wonks and War Rooms, which explains how political communication interacts with technology.
A recent recipient of the University of Ottawa Knowledge Mobilization Excellence Award, she co-led the Digital Ecosystem Research Challenge, which examined digital media use during the 2019 Federal Election. This research is now a benchmark for understanding disinformation in Canada’s media landscape. Dubois’ research has helped shape policy discussions, and she regularly advises policymakers on issues like election integrity and AI in politics.
Heidi Tworek, a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair and professor at the University of British Columbia, directs the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions. She leads the Historical Innovation theme at the GJIL. Her work focuses on the history and policy of communications, particularly how new media technologies affect democracy. Tworek is known for her interdisciplinary approach to pressing global issues, including disinformation, online abuse, and public health.
She emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, saying, “[This award] represents a wonderful opportunity to interact with and learn from extraordinary researchers across Canada. I hope it will open up new research cooperation across disciplines”
Both professors will be formally inducted at the RSC’s Celebration of Excellence this fall, joining a prestigious group of emerging leaders recognized for their academic achievements.
Read the official institutional announcements from the University of British Columbia and the University of Ottawa.