About the University Faculty Lecture Award
This award, established in 1974, is intended to honor current or emeriti faculty whose research, scholarship, or art is widely recognized by their peers and whose achievements have had a substantial impact on their profession, on the research or performance of others, and perhaps on society as a whole.
In addition to honoring the recipient, the award is designed to increase awareness, both within and outside the University, of the nature and significance of original work being done by outstanding faculty members.
The 2025 recipient, Kate Starbird, will be recognized at the 2025 Awards of Excellence ceremony in June and recently presented a lecture on Feb. 24, 2025. Watch the recording below.
Want to nominate a speaker? Stay tuned for the next University Faculty Lecture Award nomination cycle, opening in October 2025.
2025 University Faculty Lecture
A Spotlight on Rumors: Illuminating How Influence and Improvisation Shape Online Conversations
Rumors are an inherent human reaction to crisis events like natural disasters or political upheaval because they help us make sense of what’s happening. At the 2025 University Faculty Lecture, UW Professor Kate Starbird will discuss her work understanding how online rumors, misinformation and disinformation are created and shared in uncertain times — shining a light on the roles we and others play on social media and beyond.
Watch the live recording below.
View the full archive of previous University Faculty Lectures