Holding Up a Light in the Dark: Research in Politically Polarised Times TPVNextGen Event with guest speaker Dr Michael Loadenthal

Holding Up a Light in the Dark: Research in Politically Polarised Times
Dr Michael Loadenthal

In this session, we will explore the challenges and opportunities of doing research in contentious political times, grounded in an example of a US-based, volunteer research initiative. Through a focus on strategies of data resiliency, we will discuss how scholars and practitioners can protect their own well-being and the integrity of their research when facing political pressures. We will examine these issues through the example of the Prosecution Project, an 8-year-old data project currently working to preserve records surrounding the 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

In advance, you're welcome to read a chapter Dr Loadenthal wrote about the Prosecution Project available here: https://michaelloadenthal.academia.edu/research#bookchapters

Dr. Michael Loadenthal is the founder and Executive Director of the Prosecution Project and also serves as an Assistant Professor of Research, in the School of Public and International Affairs, at the University of Cincinnati, the Executive Director of the Peace and Justice Studies Association, and a contract-based security researcher and trainer. He has previously worked as a professor of sociology, terrorism studies, and research methods for Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, George Mason University, Georgetown University, the University of Malta's Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, the Washington, DC Jail, and Jessup Correctional Institution's Prison Scholars Program. Dr. Loadenthal holds a Ph.D. from the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, and a Masters degree from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews.