Join the Lab
The Public Tech Media Lab welcomes graduate students, faculty, academic staff, journalists, technologists, and community partners from a wide range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds (e.g., journalism, media studies, computer science, political science, communication, sociology, law, data science, and design).
While many PTML members are grounded in specific fields or practices, we share the conviction that no single discipline can fully address the complex challenges posed by the development and use of public interest technologies in media. Our work brings together diverse expertise to better understand, design, and implement tools and systems that strengthen journalism, democratic life, and the public good.
The Public Tech Media Lab provides opportunities for members to collaborate on questions and projects related to the role of public interest technologies in media and journalism. In doing so, PTML members expand their knowledge and find a home within a community of supportive and like-minded colleagues and practitioners.
PTML members are linked by their shared commitment to interdisciplinary research, experimentation, and practice at the intersection of technology, media, and democracy. If this sounds like the kind of community you’re seeking, we invite you to apply to become a PTML member!
Lab opportunities
PTML’s faculty and academic staff associates come from a range of departments at UW–Madison and universities across the world. What unites them is a shared commitment to advancing research, teaching, and outreach on the intersections of media, technology, and democracy from perspectives beyond their own disciplines.
PTML welcomes applications from faculty and academic staff who (1) teach courses with content that significantly addresses themes of journalism, media, technology, or democracy; (2) conduct research related to these areas; and/or (3) demonstrate an intellectual or pedagogical commitment to the lab’s mission.
Benefits of becoming a PTML Faculty or Academic Staff Associate
- Building connections across UW–Madison through an interdisciplinary community dedicated to media, technology, and public interest research
- Eligibility to apply for PTML funding
- Opportunities to present during PTML programming
- Access to collaboration opportunities with journalists, technologists, and policymakers
- Invitations to lab events, workshops, and discussions featuring cross-sector perspectives
All graduate students whose research, teaching, or outreach interests engage with the themes of journalism, media, technology, or democracy are eligible to apply to become a PTML Research Fellow.
PTML hosts events and projects that are often initiated and led by graduate students in collaboration with faculty and staff, including workshops, speaker series, collaborative projects with newsrooms, and lab-based research initiatives. Additionally, PTML graduate associates are encouraged to organize independent activities, such as reading groups, writing workshops, research presentations, and social gatherings. Becoming a PTML graduate associate means joining a creative and interdisciplinary community dedicated to exploring how public interest technologies can support journalism.
Benefits of becoming a PTML Graduate Associate
- Opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary lab projects and publications
- Eligibility to apply for PTML graduate research and travel support
- Graduate student representation in PTML decision-making and programming
- Access to funds for PTML programming organized by and for graduate associates
- Invitations to lab events, workshops, and networking opportunities with academics, journalists, and technologists
Media and Community Fellows status is open to journalists, technologists, community partners, and practitioners whose work and interests engage with the intersections of media, technology, and democracy.
Benefits of Becoming a Media and Community Fellow
- Opportunities to participate in PTML activities, workshops, and events
- Eligibility to apply for PTML funding to support projects and collaborations
- Opportunities to help shape PTML’s training courses and fellowship programs
- Invitations to contribute to lab initiatives alongside faculty, students, and other fellows
- Access to a network of academics, journalists, and technologists committed to developing public interest technologies