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Apr 14 - May 11

Why Civil Discourse Is a Research Priority—and a Public Good

Announcements

At a moment when public conversations often feel strained, fragmented, or unproductive, research on civil discourse has never been more important.

At its core, civil discourse is not about avoiding disagreement—it is about engaging disagreement productively. It is the practice of deliberating across differences in ways that expand understanding, test ideas, and ultimately advance the public good. In that sense, civil discourse is not simply a social value; it is foundational to democracy, scientific progress, and the mission of higher education.

Research universities play a unique role in this space.

Across disciplines—from communication and political science to psychology, law, education, and the humanities—researchers are working to understand how people engage across difference, how misinformation and digital environments shape dialogue, and how institutions can foster more constructive exchange. This work is not abstract. It directly informs how communities solve problems, how policy is developed, and how trust is built. It was the focus of a well-attended event in the fall called, "Disagree Better: Research on Dialogue & Debate."

Importantly, civil discourse is also central to the research enterprise itself. Science depends on open inquiry, rigorous critique, and the free exchange of ideas. When discourse breaks down into dismissal or polarization, discovery slows. When it is done well, disagreement becomes a driver of innovation.

Here at the University of Utah, this work is taking shape through interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.

The Civic Discourse Working Group is advancing research, developing pedagogical approaches, and creating programming designed to strengthen how we engage with one another—across disciplines, perspectives, and communities.

I encourage you to join the upcoming Civic Discourse Working Group Town Hall, which will bring together faculty, staff, and students to explore how research can contribute to more effective dialogue on campus and beyond.

Why this matters:

  • Civil discourse strengthens the quality and impact of research
  • It enhances teaching and prepares students for civic and professional life
  • It enables communities to address complex challenges collaboratively
  • It reinforces the public mission of the university

This is a moment where universities can lead—not by eliminating disagreement, but by modeling how to engage it well.

Action Item:

As always, thank you for the work you do to advance research and its impact.

Jakob Jensen
Associate Vice President for Research
University of Utah