In the rapidly evolving fields of media and artificial intelligence, the 2025 UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media seed grants have provided a vital boost to three distinguished professors: Deb Aikat, Tori Ekstrand, and Laura Ruel. These grants, totaling $20,000, underline the importance of pioneering research that not only influences academic perspectives but also guides the future of media education.
Innovation at the Frontier of Media
According to Dean Raul Reis of UNC Hussman, these seed grants are instrumental in fostering an environment where forward-thinking research can flourish, thereby equipping students and faculty to adeptly navigate and shape the media landscape altered by AI. “As stated in UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, the endeavors supported by these grants are not mere academic exercises but stepping stones to significant advancements in understanding and education.”
Re-defining Journalism in the Digital Age
Associate Professor Deb Aikat’s exploration into how AI is transforming the media sector seeks to answer complex questions about the evolving role of journalists and media influencers in society. Aikat’s research is set to deepen insights into media challenges and the dynamics of public trust in journalism, aligning with the theoretical framework of agendamelding. His work promises to add a critical dimension to the discourse on journalistic roles in democracies.
Rethinking Media Law Education
On the curricular side, Professor Tori Ekstrand aims to recalibrate media law education to encompass new AI-driven realities. By analyzing international regulations such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and the General Data Protection Regulation, Ekstrand’s work ensures that media law curricula remain relevant and responsive to legislative evolutions. This forward-looking approach empowers students to seamlessly transition their knowledge into practical, policy-informed expertise.
Visual Engagement in a Digital World
With technology such as eye-tracking glasses, Associate Professor Laura Ruel delves into how audiences interact with AI-generated imagery and augmented reality (AR). Her research seeks to unravel the nuanced differences between AI visuals and human creations, and how these insights translate into media credibility and digital literacy. Ruel’s findings could redefine how educators and media professionals understand digital and print content processing.
Supporting Pioneering Research
Allison Lazard, chair of the seed grant committee, celebrated the innovative spirits of her colleagues. She reflected that the grant process not only filled her with inspiration but also reinforced the significance of engaging with contemporary and impactful research.
The UNC Hussman seed grants for 2025 encapsulate a commitment to equipping future leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by media and AI. As these projects evolve, their influence is expected to expand beyond academia, actively shaping the media landscape of tomorrow.