About the Elected Standing Committee on Research
The Elected Standing Committee on Research plays a central role in advancing AEJMC’s mission to foster excellence, integrity, and innovation in journalism and mass communication scholarship. The committee serves as a steward of the Association’s research culture by supporting rigorous scholarly standards, encouraging emerging and established scholars, and ensuring that AEJMC’s research-related activities remain equitable, transparent and forward-looking.
Acting as a bridge between AEJMC leadership, divisions, interest groups (DIGs), and the broader scholarly community, the Research Committee provides constructive oversight and guidance on research practices, awards, and assessment processes. Its work directly influences the quality of scholarship presented at the annual conference, the recognition of outstanding research contributions, and the ongoing evaluation and vitality of AEJMC’s research ecosystem.
Duties and Responsibilities of AEJMC Research Committee Members
Committee Participation, Planning, and Liaison Work
Research Committee members are expected to actively attend committee meetings and engage in year-round planning activities that support AEJMC’s research mission. Members also serve as designated liaisons to assigned divisions and interest groups, fostering communication, offering guidance on research-related matters, and ensuring that DIG concerns and innovations are represented in committee deliberations. This liaison role strengthens alignment between AEJMC-wide research priorities and the diverse scholarly interests of its DIGs.
Nafziger–White–Salwen Dissertation Competition Review
All committee members participate in the selection process for the Nafziger–White–Salwen Dissertation Award, one of AEJMC’s most prestigious recognitions for emerging scholars. This responsibility typically involves reviewing all submitted abstracts and sample chapters and conducting a full, in-depth reading of the top finalists’ dissertations. Members are expected to apply consistent, rigorous and constructive evaluation standards that reflect AEJMC’s commitment to scholarly excellence and mentoring.
Deutschmann and Blum Award Selection
The committee is responsible for soliciting nominations and selecting recipients for the Paul J. Deutschmann Award for Excellence in Research and Eleanor Blum Distinguished Service to Research Award when they are offered. All members participate in this process. This process includes promoting awareness of the awards, reviewing nomination materials, and deliberating thoughtfully on the significance, originality and impact of nominees’ contributions. Although these awards are not given annually, committee members must be prepared to engage fully in the evaluation process when they are activated.
Tankard and Knudson Award Selection
The committee also assists with selecting the recipients of the Tankard Book Award and the Knudson Latin America Prize. Sub-committee members promote the awards, secure reviewers and select winners of these two prominent recognitions.
Emerging and Senior Scholar Grants
The committee also evaluates proposals and selects recipients for the Emerging and Senior Scholar Grants to encourage innovative and timely projects in journalism and mass communication. Sub-committee members engage in promotion, reviewer recruitment and selection of grant recipients.
Division and Interest Group Assessment Participation
Each year, one Research Committee member participates directly in the division and interest group assessment process. This role involves reviewing annual reports for approximately five to six DIGs and engaging in structured, one-on-one interviews during the AEJMC Annual Conference. The purpose of this assessment is not punitive, but developmental—providing constructive feedback that supports DIG vitality, research productivity, and alignment with AEJMC standards and goals.
Plenary Session Planning
Once every three years, Research Committee members contribute to the planning of a conference plenary session. This responsibility includes helping to shape themes, identify speakers or panel structures, and ensure that the plenary reflects pressing research issues, methodological innovation, or emerging areas of scholarly inquiry relevant to AEJMC members. This work positions the Research Committee as a thought leader within the annual conference program.
Service to the Association and Development of New Initiatives
Beyond defined duties, Research Committee members are expected to assist the Association as needed and demonstrate initiative in proposing new ideas, projects or improvements related to research policy, practice or support. This may include responding to emerging challenges (such as evolving research ethics or technology), contributing to policy discussions, or developing resources that enhance the research environment for AEJMC members. Members are encouraged to take an active, solutions-oriented approach to strengthening the Association’s research mission.