Michael Kearns and Diana Mutz elected to the National Academy of Sciences

As newly elected members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Michael Kearns and Diana Mutz join a class of honored scholars recognized for their unique and ongoing contributions to original research.

Communication
Computer and Information Science
Political Science

Social Norms for Algorithms

Prof. Coglianese contemplates a future of digitally automated government

In a new paper, Cary Coglianese considers a key question raised by government agencies’ increased use of digital automation powered by artificial intelligence: Can U.S. administrative law accommodate a future in which most government functions are automated?

Law
Political Science

Social Norms for Algorithms

With impressive accuracy, dogs can sniff out coronavirus

In a proof-of-concept study led by the School of Veterinary Medicine, researchers investigated if canines’ sensitive noses could discriminate positive from negative SARS-CoV-2 samples. Processing the results with assistance from Richard Berk, the team found that dogs could identify positive samples with 96% accuracy.

Criminology
Statistics

Ubiquity of Data

Untapped insights, network dynamics, and a unique approach to NBA scouting

When the Philadelphia 76ers called Damon Centola for input into scouting practices, he recommended they look beyond the highest-ranking coaches to the periphery. Incorporating this additional knowledge increased the team’s ability to predict three-point shooting skills, a case a case study described in his new book.

Communication
Sociology

Consensus and Contagion in Society

Vijay Kumar elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Congratulations to Vijay Kumar for being one of six Penn faculty members elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences! He joins more than 250 new members honored in 2021, recognized for their work to “help solve the world’s most urgent challenges, create meaning through art, and contribute to the common good.”

Computer and Information Science
Electrical and Systems Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Ubiquity of Data

Don’t Fear Cryptocurrencies. Manage Them.

The idea that regulation chills activity in new markets is intuitive, but not always accurate. Sometimes the opposite is true, writes Kevin Werbach in his recent New York Times op-ed.

Legal Studies & Business Ethics

Resilience in Networked Systems

Chris Callison-Burch receives Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising

Congratulations to Chris Callison-Burch, who received the Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising, one of Penn Engineering's annual teaching and advising awards. This award recognizes Chris's dedication to helping students realize their educational, career and personal goals.

Computer and Information Science

Ubiquity of Data

How Big a Threat Is the Supreme Court to Biden’s Climate Agenda?

President Biden will rely upon regulatory agencies like the EPA to push his ambitious clean energy and climate agenda. Yet increasingly conservative courts could stand in the way of Biden’s plans. Cary Coglianese discusses how big a threat the Supreme Court could be to Biden’s climate agenda.

Law
Political Science

Ubiquity of Data

Understanding and addressing barriers to COVID vaccine acceptance

Reservations about the COVID-19 vaccine emerge for a range of reasons: Concerns about how fast they were developed or their safety, distrust of the medical establishment, a feeling that the shot simply isn’t necessary. Damon Centola discusses how understanding and moving past these will be key to overcoming the pandemic.

Communication
Sociology

Consensus and Contagion in Society

Toward a better understanding of ‘fake news’

Duncan Watts has published a new framework for studying media bias and misinformation, detailing an ambitious and comprehensive research agenda for understanding the origins, nature, and prevalence of misinformation and its impact on democracy.

Communication
Computer and Information Science
Operations Information and Decisions

Ubiquity of Data

News

Michael Kearns and Diana Mutz elected to the National Academy of Sciences

Prof. Coglianese contemplates a future of digitally automated government

With impressive accuracy, dogs can sniff out coronavirus

Untapped insights, network dynamics, and a unique approach to NBA scouting

Vijay Kumar elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Don’t Fear Cryptocurrencies. Manage Them.

Chris Callison-Burch receives Ford Motor Company Award for Faculty Advising

How Big a Threat Is the Supreme Court to Biden’s Climate Agenda?

Understanding and addressing barriers to COVID vaccine acceptance

Toward a better understanding of ‘fake news’