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Penn Unveils Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award to Advance Journalism Scholarship

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 3:04 GMT by The Daily Pennsylvanian

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Penn’s New Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award: A Milestone for Journalism Scholarship

In a recent feature on The Daily Pennsylvanian, the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication celebrated the launch of the Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award, a new honor that promises to elevate both scholarship and public engagement in the field of media studies. The award, announced in November 2025, will provide an annual, $15,000 stipend and a platform for a distinguished speaker to deliver a public lecture at the university’s annual communications symposium. As the school’s newest recognition, it underscores Penn’s commitment to fostering critical inquiry into how media shapes society in an increasingly digital world.

The Origins of the Award

The award takes its name from the Jamieson family, long-time benefactors of the Annenberg School. According to the article, James Jamieson—a former dean and a prolific philanthropist—donated a substantial endowment in 2024 to support “innovative research that bridges theory and practice.” The foundation established by the Jamiesons has a history of backing initiatives that strengthen journalism education and promote media literacy. The award page on the Annenberg website (linked in the article) provides a brief biography of James and outlines the foundation’s broader mission to “advance the public’s understanding of the media’s role in democracy.”

Award Structure and Selection Criteria

The Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award is designed to recognize scholars who demonstrate exceptional research acumen and a commitment to public engagement. Candidates are evaluated on three primary criteria:

1. Scholarly Impact – The candidate’s research must have made a significant contribution to the field, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications, citations, and recognition by professional organizations.
2. Public Outreach – The scholar should have a track record of communicating findings to non‑academic audiences through media appearances, podcasts, or community workshops.
3. Future Potential – The award committee seeks a forward‑looking vision for the next phase of the scholar’s work, especially in addressing emerging media challenges such as misinformation, algorithmic bias, or digital privacy.

The article notes that the selection committee includes faculty from the Annenberg School, representatives from the Jamieson Foundation, and a former recipient of the prestigious “Annenberg Prize for Excellence in Journalism.” A panel of ten reviewers will read submitted dossiers and nominate a shortlist of finalists who will be invited to give a keynote lecture at the symposium.

The First Recipient: Dr. Sarah Thompson

In a highlight of the feature, the school announced Dr. Sarah Thompson as the inaugural awardee. Thompson, a professor of digital media and former editor of the Pennsylvanian’s “Digital Lens” column, earned the award for her groundbreaking research on algorithmic echo chambers and their influence on public opinion. Her study, published in Journal of Communication last year, was cited over 200 times and has already shaped policy debates around social media regulation.

In an interview quoted in the article, Thompson expressed gratitude: “This award is a testament to the collaborative environment at Annenberg, where rigorous scholarship meets a genuine desire to inform the public. I’m excited to use this platform to continue exploring how we can design media ecosystems that foster informed citizenship.” The award includes a $15,000 research stipend, which Thompson plans to apply toward a multi‑year project that will partner with the university’s Center for Data and Journalism to develop tools that detect algorithmic manipulation in real time.

Impact on the Penn Community

The Daily Pennsylvanian highlighted how the award aligns with the school’s broader strategic goals. “The Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award is more than a monetary prize; it’s a signal to our students that rigorous, socially relevant research is valued,” wrote Annenberg dean Dr. Marcus Lee in a statement linked in the article. He also noted that the award will increase the visibility of the school’s research across campus and beyond, as the public lectures will be streamed live and archived on the university’s media platform.

Students and faculty alike have expressed enthusiasm for the new honor. A student representative mentioned that the award will inspire a new generation of scholars to pursue careers that blend analytical depth with practical impact. Faculty members see the award as an opportunity to attract high‑profile researchers to the university, thereby enhancing Penn’s national reputation in media studies.

Additional Resources and Links

The article provides several hyperlinks to deepen readers’ understanding:

• Annenberg School Website – Offers an overview of the school’s programs, faculty profiles, and research centers.
• Jamieson Foundation Page – Details the foundation’s history, major donors, and current initiatives.
• Award Application Guidelines – Outlines submission requirements, deadlines, and selection criteria.
• Dr. Thompson’s Research Portfolio – Includes her publications, speaking engagements, and a link to her latest grant proposal.

By exploring these resources, readers can appreciate the full scope of the award’s significance and the rigorous process that underscores its prestige.

Looking Ahead

As the inaugural year draws to a close, the Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award has already begun to reshape the academic landscape at Penn. The combination of a substantial stipend, a high‑profile lecture platform, and the backing of a reputable foundation positions the award as a catalyst for innovative research that engages both scholars and the broader public. Future recipients will likely continue this tradition, addressing emerging challenges such as deepfakes, platform accountability, and the ethical dimensions of AI‑driven content curation.

In sum, the Annenberg Jamieson Lecturer Award represents a meaningful investment in the future of media scholarship. By rewarding excellence, encouraging public dialogue, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the award not only honors individual achievement but also strengthens Penn’s role as a leader in understanding the media’s evolving influence on democracy and society.