News from and about the Center for Public Interest Communications.
Most Americans Support Freedom of Information. Almost None Have Ever Used It.
New research from UF’s Brechner Project and Center for Public Interest Communications examines public attitudes, institutional trust, and what happens when FOI restrictions become…
October 2025 nationwide survey sheds light on Americans’ increasing worry about housing affordability
In the lead-up to the 2025 election and launch of the 2026 midterms, perceptions of affordability of housing in the United States were highly negative. Nearly 3 in 4 Americans said they think…
2025 ‘Real Good Census’ Reveals a Strategically Vital Field with Strong Rewards, Marking Significant Growth
Public Interest Communications Comes of Age The Center for Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications released its 2025 “Real Good…
Changemakers in Action: Dr. Audrey Goldfarb
Interview by Kate McNamara As a newly minted PhD in telomere biology and now a postdoctoral researcher in the Korb Lab at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Audrey…
Building Partnerships for Lasting Change: Why Awareness Alone Won’t Cut It
Awareness campaigns are a staple for many organizations looking to inform the public about important issues. However, awareness alone isn’t enough to drive meaningful, lasting…
People Trust Scientists—So Why Isn’t Research Driving More Change?
A global study reveals gaps in engagement. Here’s how scientists can turn trust into action. Trust in science is relatively high. But trust alone doesn’t lead to action. A recent study from…
Moving Beyond Awareness to Achieve Policy Change
Awareness campaigns are everywhere. From social media hashtags to global movements, raising awareness has become a staple of advocacy work. However, awareness alone is not enough to drive…
From Awareness to Action: How to Design Campaigns That Drive Donations
Campaigns that drive donations must go beyond simply informing people about an issue. To inspire action, it’s crucial to understand what motivates people to care deeply enough to…
How Rolando Negron Brings Research to Life at UF/IFAS
After years in science and education, Rolando Negron stepped into a new role as Acquisitions Editor at UF/IFAS and quickly recognized a challenge: connecting research with the public. To…
Harnessing Influencers to Ignite Trust and Drive Change
Influencer marketing has earned its spot as a popular strategy in the communications playbook, but let’s be honest—it’s not enough to rack up views and followers. The real power of influencers…
Philanthropy’s Messaging Creates Confusion. Telling Better Stories Can Build Trust
The Council on Foundations and the Center for Public Interest Communications today announced the release of Philanthropy’s New Voice, the largest study ever of narratives in philanthropy. The…
Paper exploring local discursive frames of poverty and race wins 2023 research prize
Teresa Gonzales, Ph.D., Elizabeth M. Thissell and Soumitra Thorat take home $10,000 Hon Prize in Public Interest Communications Research Researchers using ethnographic research in a small…
Center welcomes two collaborators in research and strategy
The UF Center for Public Interest Communications is thrilled to announce that internal negotiations with CJC administration has concluded and we’re able to formally welcome two faculty…
Center announces three finalists for the $10,000 public interest communications research prize
A committee of scholars and practitioners working with the Center for Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida has selected three finalists for the annual Prize for Research…
Center honors the memory of colleague Rakeem Robinson
A note from UF College of Journalism and Communications Dean Hub Brown: I am very saddened to announce that the CJC family has lost a special student and an extraordinary human being. Doctoral…