Science News recognizes UB communication researcher

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Yotam Ophir, PhD, an associate professor of communication in the  University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences, is among the 10 scientists recognized this year by Science News for groundbreaking work that has the potential to shape the future of science.

For the ninth year, Science News writers and editors selected 10 early- and mid-career scientists “whose talent and curiosity know no bounds — as acknowledged by their nominators” for  SN 10: Scientists to Watch. The innovative work of these researchers is opening new paths for understanding a rapidly changing world, the publication says.

The SN 10 spotlights researchers making a mark in the field by applying their expertise to areas of societal importance.

Each of the SN 10 is featured on Science News' website and will be featured in a print issue of the magazine in October. The story on Ophir’s work is available at https://www.sciencenews.org/article/yotam-ophir-media-and-science.

“I am deeply honored to be in the SN 10 and to see my hard work over the last 15 years being recognized on such a prestigious stage,” says Ophir. “My work deals with some very pessimistic and dark topics, and knowing that it matters to people keeps me motivated to continue this taxing, yet rewarding, journey.”

Ophir studies media effects and persuasion, focusing on political and science misinformation, conspiracy theories and extremism. He uses a wide variety of tools, from computations modeling to large-scale experiments and surveys.

“This honor is a testament to the growing public interest in and attention to these areas and their wide, interdisciplinary implications for individuals and societies,” says Ophir.

It’s becoming increasingly clear to academics, professionals and news consumers that misinformation and misperceptions shape beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. These effects have a direct and indirect impact on the health and stability of democratic societies, according to Ophir.

“While the problems that I study are nothing new, their prevalence and the speed in which misinformation spreads have grown exponentially with the introduction of the internet, social media and artificial intelligence,” he says. “Communication is no longer seen as an isolated area of study.

“It is now interdisciplinary, with experts from various fields and perspectives recognizing the key role it plays in promoting pro-social and healthy behaviors.”

Leading news organizations like The New York Times, Fortune and the BBC have turned to Ophir to clarify and explain issues ranging from science communication about vaccines to social media’s treatment of misinformation. His research has been published in leading journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Communication.

Ophir is also the co-author of “Democracy amid Crises: Polarization, Pandemic, and Protests & Persuasion.” His sole-authored forthcoming book “Misinformation & Society” will be published next year.

“It is truly an honor to be named one of the leading young scientists across disciplines and fields named this year by Science News,” says Ophir.

Science News, published by the Society of Science, has been covering the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine since 1921.