Vafeiadis' research article recognized for meaningful societal impact

Michail Vafeiadis’ article, “Refuting fake news on social media: nonprofits, crisis response strategies and issue involvement,” won Emerald Publishing’s 2021 Outstanding Paper Award, which recognizes research for its meaningful societal impact. The article was published in the Journal of Product & Brand Management and has been downloaded more than 2,400 times worldwide and cited in at least 18 other publications. The research study offers insights for organizations that are developing response strategies in the current environment of fake news.

Vafeiadis is an assistant professor of public relations in the School of Communication and Journalism. His research focuses on storytelling, social media and health communication. He is the 2016 recipient of the Don Bartholomew Award for Excellence in Public Relations Research sponsoed by Ketchum and the Institute for Public Relations. Vafeiadis earned his bachelor's degree in international affairs and master's degree in political science, both from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. He also holds a master’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, as well as a doctorare from Pennsylvania State University.