Jessica Roberts

Jessica Roberts is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, affiliated with the Faculty of Human Sciences and the Research Centre for Communication and Culture (CECC). She is an active researcher and author, focusing on journalism, fake news, media ethics, and the role of non-traditional actors in public information.

• Ph.D. in Journalism Studies, University of Maryland
• M.A. in Journalism, University of Southern California

Her research explores the ethical dimensions of citizen journalism, social media, and participatory media practices such as selfies as forms of witnessing. She investigates how disinformation spreads and how journalists can respond effectively, with a strong emphasis on empathy, public trust, and the integrity of the information ecosystem. Her work bridges theoretical analysis with practical implications for modern journalism.

The trend in her publications shows a consistent focus on the evolving media landscape, particularly the intersection of technology, ethics, and public discourse. From analyzing the 'Humans of New York' phenomenon to reimagining selfies as journalistic acts, her work highlights how everyday individuals contribute to public knowledge. Recent articles and books reflect growing concern about disinformation, media fear, and the future of trustworthy journalism.

• Literati Award Outstanding Paper (2021)
• Second Place Best Faculty Research Paper (2023)

Jessica Roberts has supervised 16 academic works at UCP and leads the 'Humans of New York' research project (2020–2026), which examines empathy and storytelling in public service journalism. She is actively involved in organizing key academic events, including the Lisbon Winter School and research symposia on journalism studies, demonstrating leadership in the scholarly community.

She is a principal investigator on externally funded research and regularly presents at conferences and invited talks, contributing to both academic and public discourse on media and communication. Her engagement with press and media further underscores her role as a public intellectual.

Her lab or research team is embedded within the Research Centre for Communication and Culture (CECC), where she collaborates with scholars on interdisciplinary projects exploring media, emotion, and ethics. The CECC serves as a hub for innovative communication research in Portugal and beyond.