We’re excited to share that Emma van der Goot has been awarded the Rubicon Grant 2025 from NWO and ZonMwfor her project “Between criticism and complicity: how should journalists cover the uncivilized and misleading speeches of politicians?” 🎉

Emma’s 18-month research project will be hosted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. It explores how journalists navigate the tricky balance between holding politicians accountable and avoiding the unintentional normalization of undemocratic behavior. As politicians increasingly cross democratic boundaries with disrespectful language or misinformation, Emma’s work examines how journalists respond — whether they (un)consciously treat different parties differently, and how their reporting shapes citizens’ perceptions.

Congratulations, Emma, on this fantastic achievement and exciting opportunity ahead! 👏