

Inducted as a Fellow of the International Communication Association (ICA)
DENVER, CO — The International Communication Association (ICA) has named Dr. David Atkin, Professor of Communication at the University of Connecticut, to its prestigious 2025 Class of Fellows, recognizing his distinguished contributions to the field of communication.
The ICA Fellow designation is one of the highest honors in the discipline, awarded to scholars whose work has made a lasting impact on communication research and theory. Dr. Atkin’s selection reflects a career defined by innovation, rigor, and influence across multiple domains of digital and mediated communication.
Since first attending ICA in the mid-1980s, Atkin has built a prolific research portfolio that includes over 190 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and five scholarly books. His work has shaped understanding in areas such as media effects, communication technologies, political communication, and media policy. He is widely recognized for developing and validating key theoretical models, including the Functional Equivalence framework, the Integrated Communication Technology Adoption Model, and Technology Fluidity Theory.
Atkin’s scholarship has earned him a place among the top 1% of researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences globally, with consistent rankings for research output and citation impact. His contributions have not only advanced academic discourse but also informed real-world applications in media and technology policy.
Beyond his research, Dr. Atkin has served in editorial roles for leading journals and played an active role in ICA and other professional organizations. His commitment to teaching and mentorship has been recognized with honors such as the Krieghbaum Under-40 Award and the University Distinguished Scholar Award.