Public Tech Media Lab Fellowship: Advancing Media, Technology, and Democracy

Understanding the Public Tech Media Lab Fellowship and Research Community

The relationship between technology, journalism, media, and democratic societies is constantly changing. This dynamic presents significant challenges and opportunities for how we understand and interact with information and civic life. Addressing these complex issues requires collaboration across different fields and communities. The Public Tech Media Lab (PTML) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking scholars, researchers, journalists, technologists, and community leaders to join its efforts. PTML offers an environment for innovative research, discussions, and projects focused on advancing media, technology, and democracy.

About the Public Tech Media Lab

The Public Tech Media Lab, located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, acts as a central point for understanding, creating, and using technologies that support journalism, democratic participation, and the public interest. The lab operates on the belief that no single field can fully address the complex problems arising from new technologies and their impact on media and democratic systems. Therefore, PTML brings together experts from various academic and professional backgrounds. They work together to find interdisciplinary solutions and create new knowledge at the intersection of technology, journalism, media, democracy, public policy, civic engagement, and public interest innovation. The lab aims to foster collaboration, experimentation, research, and practical involvement among individuals committed to strengthening democratic societies through responsible technology development.

Why the Public Tech Media Lab is Important

Technology plays an increasing role in how people get information, participate in public discussions, and engage in democratic processes. Key issues that societies face today include the use of artificial intelligence in journalism, maintaining information integrity, combating misinformation and disinformation, holding digital platforms accountable, building media trust, protecting data privacy, and ensuring public input in technology design. Solving these problems requires knowledge from many different sectors and disciplines. The Public Tech Media Lab provides a platform for these diverse viewpoints to converge, leading to impactful research and practical solutions.

Who Can Join the Public Tech Media Lab?

The PTML welcomes individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes graduate students interested in the connection between technology, media, and democracy, who can join research projects and connect with experts. Faculty members whose teaching and research align with the lab’s goals are also encouraged to apply. Academic staff involved in teaching, research, or public engagement related to media and technology can contribute valuable knowledge. Journalists looking to understand technological changes and their impact on news can engage with researchers and technologists. Technology professionals interested in public interest technology and ethical design can collaborate on real-world issues. Community partners can help ensure that research and technology development meet public needs.

Areas of Expertise and Disciplines

The lab encourages applications from individuals with backgrounds in several fields. These include media and communication areas like journalism, media studies, and digital media. Social sciences such as political science, sociology, public policy, and international affairs are also represented. Technology and innovation fields like computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and human-computer interaction are important. Legal and governance areas including law, digital rights, and technology policy are also relevant. Design and user experience professionals in areas like design research and civic design can contribute. The interdisciplinary nature of PTML is a key strength, allowing members to learn from diverse perspectives.

Faculty and Academic Staff Opportunities

The Public Tech Media Lab specifically seeks faculty members and academic staff who are dedicated to the lab’s mission. Applicants may be considered if they teach relevant courses on topics such as journalism, media, technology, democracy, or public interest innovation. Researchers whose work explores the relationship between media, technology, public life, or civic engagement are also strong candidates. Individuals who demonstrate an intellectual, teaching, or practical commitment to advancing interdisciplinary understanding of media and technology are welcome.

Benefits of Membership

Becoming a member of the Public Tech Media Lab offers many professional and academic advantages. Members gain access to a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, journalists, policymakers, and technologists, promoting knowledge sharing and cross-sector partnerships. PTML members may become eligible for funding opportunities to support research projects and collaborative initiatives. They can participate in research projects addressing important issues at the intersection of technology, media, and democracy. The lab also provides opportunities to present ongoing research, share findings, and receive feedback from peers. Members benefit from direct interaction with journalists, technology experts, and government officials, which can increase the impact of their work. PTML hosts various events, including research seminars, workshops, and public discussions, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue. Perhaps the most significant benefit is joining a supportive community of individuals dedicated to advancing knowledge and public interest through technology and media innovation.

Building the Future of Public Interest Technology

The Public Tech Media Lab aims to create a future where technological development supports democratic values and public needs. By bringing together experts from different disciplines and sectors, the lab fosters opportunities to develop new research agendas, explore emerging technologies responsibly, strengthen journalism, improve democratic participation, and advance public interest technology for meaningful societal impact. For those passionate about shaping the future of media, technology, and democracy, PTML offers a dynamic environment for collaboration, learning, and leadership. The application deadline is August 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Public Tech Media Lab?

The Public Tech Media Lab (PTML) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a hub for research and collaboration focused on technology’s impact on journalism, democracy, and public interest.

Who is the PTML fellowship for?

The fellowship is for scholars, researchers, journalists, technologists, and community leaders interested in the relationship between media, technology, and democratic societies.

What are the benefits of joining the PTML?

Members gain access to a diverse community, potential funding, research opportunities, and chances to present their work and network with professionals.