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Awards of Excellence

University Faculty Lecture Award Nominations

Nominations are now open until Wednesday, Nov. 19

Please send your nomination materials via email to Secretary of the Faculty Gautham Reddy at secfac@uw.edu.

Your nomination should include a letter addressing the following information about the candidate:

    1. Significant accomplishments and impact.
    2. Speaking ability (if possible, please include a link to a video of a past lecture).
    3. Ability to adapt his/her academic interest to a broad audience.
    4. Possible topics that you believe the nominee would address in the lecture.
    5. The candidate’s vitae.
    6. Up to three additional letters of support for the nomination.

    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 2024 recipient, Kate Starbird, was recognized at the 2024 Awards of Excellence ceremony and recently presented a lecture on Feb. 24, 2025. Watch the recording below.

    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 discussed 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