Dr. Rebecca K. Ivic
Professor of Health Communication and Associate Dean of Research
Commissioner and Co-Secretariat Lead
Nature Medicine Commission, Quality Health Information for All
My leadership and research in health communication bridge communication science, public health, and computational social science to confront the most pressing health challenges. Trained in both social science and computer science, I bring an interdisciplinary perspective with expertise in computational, qualitative, and quantitative methods. My work spans the analysis of health information, clinical encounters, and campaigns and interventions, and extends to the development of indicators that guide policy, governance, and scientific decision-making. At the nexus of science, policy, and practice, I lead collaborations with global organizations, governments, and academic institutions to position trustworthy health information as a driver of healthcare innovation and policy.
I am a member of the WHO Health Information Integrity Alliance; the Society for Health Communication; and a Collaborator with the Health Equity Community Collaborative.
My research addresses vital challenges such as vaccine promotion and strengthening good health information. Examples of my work are reflected in 60+ peer-reviewed publications, 90+ conference presentations, reports, white papers, and nearly $2m in research funding. I serve as a Senior Editor for the Journal of Health Communication; serve on the editorial boards of leading journals, including Health Communication, Communication Research Reports, Communication Reports, and Health Promotion Practice. My work has been supported by funding from agencies including NIH, the Alabama Water Institute, State funded organizations, and numerous other organizations. I serve as an external grant reviewer for NSF and NIH.
Experience
Executive Editor – Journal of Health Communication
I serve as the Executive Editor for the Journal of Health Communication, the leading Q1-ranked journal in the field (Impact Factor: 3.1; 5-year IF: 4.1; 7% acceptance rate), which publishes cutting-edge research on global health, health literacy, and digital media. In this role, I am the primary point of contact for managing multiple items, such as special issues, expanding the editorial board, and launching new initiatives to advance the journal’s reach and influence. I was a lead author to the 30th anniversary article and authored a leading piece in the journal’s 30th year special collection on digital health, shaping the next directions of health communication research and practice. As part of the Journal’s work, I work with the leadership team to advance health communication as a discipline.
Commissioner and Co-Secretariat Lead – Nature Medicine Commission: Quality Health Information for All (2025–present)
I serve as one of 20 selected global Commissioners for the inaugural Nature Medicine Commission on Quality Health Information for All. I lead the development of global quality health indicators to guide governments and policymakers. At the University of Alabama, I developed and co-lead the Commission’s Co-Secretariat, anchored in partnership with the CUNY School of Public Health and Policy and ITM Antwerp, positioning these institutions at the forefront of global health communication research and policy.
Within the Commission, I co-lead both Quality Health Information Indicators Working Group and the Social Media Working Group, advancing frameworks that strengthen trust, credibility, and the global scientific base for health information. Working across five global working groups and in collaboration with experts in communication, public health, medicine, economics, technology, and development, I foster cross-sector partnerships and deliver flagship outputs for organizations such as the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the World Health Summit (2025–2026).
Associate Dean of Research – The University of Alabama, College of Communication & Information Sciences (2023- present)
I developed and launched the College’s first Research and Creative Excellence Fund, initially seeded with $20K annually and now scaled to $100K per year, a sustainable platform for catalyzing innovative faculty research. This initiative has increased external funding submissions and a replicable model of internal investment for our long-term research enterprise. I led the creation of the College’s first research mission and strategic plan (developed through faculty surveys, focus groups, and Executive Council consultation), which now anchors our collective priorities and drives measurable growth.
To institutionalize support, I established and chair the College’s first Research and Creative Committee, ensuring that needs are represented in policy, mentorship, and infrastructure. My leadership has expanded institutional support for creative scholarship and research compliance while also building a culture of excellence through grant support, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. At the University level, I play a central role in advancing faculty and student research development, driving policies that strengthen competitiveness and amplify the visibility of our work across national and global arenas.
Professor – The University of Alabama , College of Communication & Information Sciences (2018- present)
As Professor of Health Communication, I study how trust in health information is built, challenged, and reshaped within online communities and health and evidence-based campaigns. My funded research spans health communication, survey research, and computational social science, advancing understanding of how people engage with health messages in rapidly evolving information environments. I publish widely in top journals, mentor graduate students, and previously served as Graduate Program Director, strengthening curriculum and student research pathways.
Prior Appointments
Assistant Professor, South Dakota State University (2014-2018)
Assistant Professor, The University of Akron (2012-2014)
Education
PhD, MA, in Health Communication
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
BA in Communication Science
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) Graduated summa cum laude and with distinction
Relevant Links
Google Scholar | LinkedIn | OSF | NCBI Bibliography | ORCID
Address
rebeccaivic @ gmail .com | rebecca.ivic @ ua.edu
Reese Phifer 480, College of Communication & Information Sciences, Tuscaloosa AL 35487
Dr. Rebecca K. Ivic 