Professor Dietram A. Scheufele, an internationally recognized scholar in science communication, has begun a new chapter of his academic career at Arizona State University after more than two decades of teaching, research and public service at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Scheufele joined ASU in fall 2026 as a Foundation Professor of Communications in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. ASU describes the Foundation Professor designation as one used to recognize outstanding faculty, and the university confirmed that Scheufele went through its hiring and onboarding process, which includes background checks.
His move comes after a long academic career spanning more than 25 years at Cornell University and UW–Madison. During that time, Scheufele became one of the prominent scholars working at the intersection of science, media, technology and public understanding. His research has explored misinformation, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the ways people interpret scientific information in increasingly complex media environments.
A Career Recognized for Research and Teaching
Long before the recent attention surrounding his departure from Wisconsin, Scheufele had established an extensive record of academic achievement.
He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is an elected member of the German National Academy of Science and Engineering. He has also been recognized as a fellow of organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the International Communication Association.
UW–Madison itself recognized Scheufele with the prestigious Hilldale Award in 2024 for contributions to teaching, research and service. The university described him at the time as one of the leading scholars studying the social effects of emerging science and technology and noted his influential work on misinformation, online discourse and public engagement with science.
His impact was not limited to research. Scheufele received UW–Madison’s Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2022. University records noted that he had taught thousands of undergraduate and graduate students and served as the primary adviser for nearly 50 master’s and doctoral students.
His professional service has also extended outside the university. Scheufele has worked with organizations including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and was named a Lifetime National Associate of the National Academies in recognition of his service and expertise.
Understanding the UW–Madison Investigation
Scheufele’s departure from UW–Madison followed an Office of Compliance investigation prompted by complaints from three students.
It is important to distinguish between the different findings and allegations involved.
The completed investigation did not find that Scheufele violated UW–Madison’s policies on sexual harassment or hostile and intimidating behavior. Investigators did conclude that he violated the university’s consensual-relationships policy and a faculty requirement concerning professional honesty and integrity.
Scheufele strongly disputed those conclusions. In a written statement reported by the Wisconsin State Journal and subsequently quoted by The State Press, he said he had consistently challenged the Office of Compliance’s conclusions and had submitted evidence contesting the reports. He also maintained that he was prepared to have the allegations examined through live hearings.
The matter ultimately ended through a settlement between Scheufele and UW–Madison. According to university officials, the settlement did not result in a final disciplinary decision on the non-Title IX allegations, and neither Scheufele nor UW–Madison admitted wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
A separate Title IX fact-finding hearing had also been scheduled. Both Scheufele and the complainants ultimately waived their rights to that hearing, bringing the university’s Title IX process to an end.
The students who brought the complaints have continued to stand by their accounts and have criticized aspects of the university’s handling of the process. Their concerns remain an important part of the public record. At the same time, Scheufele has consistently disputed the findings concerning his conduct.
Moving Forward at Arizona State University
Following his resignation from UW–Madison, Scheufele joined Arizona State University as a Foundation Professor.
ASU confirmed that it had received notice from UW–Madison concerning the consensual-relationships policy finding before Scheufele began his new role. ASU nevertheless proceeded with his appointment following its hiring and onboarding process.
At ASU, Scheufele is continuing work in the areas that have defined much of his professional career, including science communication, emerging technology, public opinion and the relationship between science and society.
In his statement following his departure from Wisconsin, Scheufele emphasized his intention to continue his academic work, saying that teaching, mentoring and research had defined his career.
The controversy surrounding his final years at UW–Madison will remain part of the public discussion about his career. But it exists alongside a substantial academic record encompassing decades of research, university teaching, mentorship, professional service and recognition from major scientific and scholarly institutions.
As Scheufele begins his work at Arizona State University, his next chapter will ultimately be judged not only against the disputes surrounding his departure from Wisconsin, but also by the scholarship, teaching and professional contributions he makes going forward.
Disclaimer: Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA Weekly were not involved in the creation of this content.
