DCU has launched a new initiative called the Institute for Future Media and Journalism (FuJo) which will see students of the School of Communications learn new skills required in the profession.
The institute will work to research the use of innovation in the digital space in journalism and social sciences. It was officially opened yesterday by DCU president Brian MacCraith following a series of panel discussions including Minister for Communications Alex White TD and Irish Times editor Kevin O’Sullivan.
Dr Jane Suiter, director of the institute, said it has been designed as a “space for innovation and experimentation” in journalism research.
The institute will collaborate with schools throughout DCU’s humanities faculty, including the School of Communications, the School of Law and Government, the Institute of Ethics, and Fiontar. Research carried out by the institute will cover a wide range of topics, from coverage of climate change in Irish media to researching gender roles in broadcasting.
Science Foundation Ireland has provided €75 million in funding for the institute, which will work with the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, a cross-university body. The new institute will also sponsor PhD and postdoctoral students.
DCU has already seen its journalism and communications programs move towards a move digital and online focus with the introduction of modules on data journalism, social media, and networked journalism. The new institute will look to work further with its students in these areas.
Speaking to The College View, Dr Suiter said “the industry itself is looking at this kind of space, and the job of a university is to try and see the future, try to understand the future, so we almost felt it was incumbent on us to actually go out and try to provide some thought leadership on this”.
Kevin Kelly
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