Accountability Journalism Institute Welcomes New Board members to Enhance Trust in Media and Science
Accountability Journalism Institute Welcomes New Board Members
On July 15, 2025, the Accountability Journalism Institute (AJI), a nonprofit organization committed to upholding journalistic integrity and scientific truth, announced the appointment of new members to both its Board of Directors and its Scientific Advisory Board. These appointments come in response to the increasing threats faced by America’s institutions and the growing tide of disinformation that has been prevalent in recent years.
New Board Members
Wendy Orent, an anthropologist and prolific science writer, will take a seat on the Board of Directors. With a PhD from the University of Michigan, she has over 25 years of experience writing on biological threats and infectious diseases. Her impactful works include the book "Plague" and the memoir of Igor V. Domaradskij, a pivotal figure in the Soviet biological weapons program. Orent's extensive reporting spans various infectious diseases, including SARS and COVID-19, and she vows to help restore public trust in scientific expertise and combat misinformation surrounding health.
In her own words: "I am honored to have been elected to the Board of the Accountability Journalism Institute. Over the last years, we have seen a tsunami of misinformation about the Covid pandemic, vaccines, and public health break across the nation. We need to help restore public confidence in scientific expertise, and stop the undermining of trust in science and medicine in general."
Scientific Advisory Board Contributions
Joining the Scientific Advisory Board are three distinguished individuals: Jessica Malaty Rivera, Dr. Lauren Hughes, and Dr. Michael E. Mann.
Jessica Malaty Rivera, known for her role in The COVID Tracking Project, is an infectious disease epidemiologist and award-winning science communicator. She holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown's School of Medicine and has dedicated her career to provide evidence-based information to the public. Her focus on translating complex scientific concepts into accessible information is more crucial than ever amid misinformation crises. "I joined AJI because we are experiencing an unprecedented information emergency in the U.S. From the death of expertise to the platforming of anti-science influencers, it's more important than ever to hold decision-makers accountable for abandoning evidence and data," she explains.
Dr. Lauren Hughes is a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant, serving as the founder and head physician at Bloom Pediatrics. Her commitment to combating misinformation online is clear as she emphasizes the need to protect health information and integrity.
Dr. Michael E. Mann, a respected climatologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, contributes his extensive knowledge of climate science to the board. He is a prolific author with more than 300 publications to his name, including books that address the urgency of climate issues such as "Dire Predictions" and "The Madhouse Effect." Dr. Mann stresses, "There's never been a more important time to hold our media accountable for meeting basic journalistic standards of truth and objectivity, particularly when it comes to matters of science and technology that may well determine the continued viability of our civilization."
AJI’s Mission and Future
The Accountability Journalism Institute aims to expose the threats facing critical American institutions while striving to restore the public's trust in journalism and scientific endeavors. With these new appointments, AJI continues to fortify its mission against misinformation and disinformation campaigns, and it advocates for evidence-based decision-making in policy.
In a time of rampant misinformation, the insights and expertise of these new advisory members are not only timely but essential. As Executive Director Walker Bragman stated, "AJI is fighting back with the help of renowned experts—knowledgeable and talented people who share our passion for exposing bad actors and disinformation."
Through its initiatives, AJI seeks to hold media outlets accountable and ensure that factual reporting prevails, ultimately reinforcing democracy and public trust.