Information integrity – what some people refer to as the misinformation crisis – is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. Two years ago, we launched the Information Futures Lab (IFL) to study the ways we get information and how we can help improve the consumption of high-quality information, especially as it relates to public health.

The co-founders of this effort were Stefanie Friedhoff and Claire Wardle, two of the leading thinkers in this space. Over the past two years, the IFL has become a valued part of this school and university, partnering in research and interventions to co-design healthier information spaces. 

As we start the new academic year, I want to share some important changes at IFL. 

As you may know, Clair Wardle left Brown last month to return to Cornell University, where she continues to maintain a home. With Claire’s departure, Stefanie Friedhoff has taken over as interim Director. I am thrilled that Stefanie has agreed to do this and know that under her leadership, IFL will continue to thrive. Already in the past two years, IFL has accomplished so much, including:

• Welcoming two classes of fellows focusing on community-driven, innovative solutions to improve information ecosystems.

• Piloting The Information Project (TIP), a new way for universities, community organizations and trusted messengers to collaborate on strengthening local information ecosystems. Now in its second year, TIP students have identified key information gaps impacting Rhode Islanders amidst a worsening housing crisis 

• Contributing to the evidence base with research projects such as a major review of COVID-19 misinformation interventions.

• Addressing information challenges at the community level,  from working with community-based organizations on a new framework for how to build vaccine demand to supporting diaspora communities with spreading credible information, including questions around the 2024 election.

Our commitment to IFL and the work of building information integrity into public health is as strong as ever. As such, we will soon be launching a faculty search to identify a senior faculty member to join the IFL. 

Ensuring high-quality, science-driven information shapes policy, practice, and behavior remains a bedrock of public health. I look forward to seeing the momentum of IFL continue.