Michelle Riedlinger

Michelle Riedlinger is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology's Digital Media Research Centre within the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice. She has served as co-editor of the Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) since 2022 and maintains an active research program focused on science communication, digital media, and public understanding of science. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals and she regularly contributes to policy submissions through QUT's Digital Media Research Centre.

Dr. Riedlinger's research interests center on the intersection of science communication and digital media. She investigates how social media platforms shape the dissemination of scientific information, with particular attention to preprint communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work explores science journalism practices, fact-checking methodologies, and the emerging impact of generative AI on research communication. She has conducted cross-national studies examining science communication practices in Canada, Australia, and other countries, with a focus on understanding how cultural contexts influence science-society relationships.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward examining the impact of generative AI on science communication practices. Her 2024-2025 work focuses extensively on how researchers, journalists, and the public are engaging with AI tools for science information seeking and production. She also continues to explore traditional science communication challenges including the politicization of science, science journalism practices, and the role of social media in shaping public understanding of scientific issues.

As co-editor of the Journal of Science Communication since 2022, Dr. Riedlinger has played a significant role in shaping scholarly discourse in the field. Her editorial work demonstrates her commitment to advancing the theoretical and practical dimensions of science communication research. She frequently collaborates with an international network of scholars, particularly with Marina Joubert, with whom she co-edits JCOM.

Dr. Riedlinger is actively involved with QUT's Digital Media Research Centre, where she contributes to policy submissions addressing critical digital society issues including online safety for young people, social media regulation, and the impact of generative AI on the scholarly economy. Her work bridges academic research and practical policy applications, demonstrating the real-world impact of science communication scholarship.