SFU Newsmaker award winners shake things up in 2022

In an era of fake news, misinformation and conspiracy theories, people need trust-worthy, informed and accurate news more than ever. The latest recipients of SFU-s annual Newsmaker awards have been selected for their significant achievements in informing media stories and online communities on a diversity of topics, from humanitarian issues and pandemic restrictions, to building better societies, and for strategic approach to communications. SFU international studies professor Darren Byler, City Program director Andy Yan, psychology professor Lara Aknin and health sciences communications manager Sharon Mah are being recognized for their contributions during 2022. This year, John Clague, professor emeritus of earth sciences, is also being bestowed with the SFU Newsmaker Lifetime Achievement award. Darren Byler, Assistant Professor, School for International Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences - 2022 SFU Media Newsmaker Award Darren Byler is 2022-s SFU Media Newsmaker of the year for his ongoing commentary and coverage in a wide range of international outlets on the plights of the Uyghur people in China. While some experts and media shy away from this significant and controversial issue, Byler has leaned in with research and books detailing the incarceration, mass surveillance and brutal clampdown on the Uyghur people, which the Canadian government calls a genocide. Byler has featured in nearly 900 news stories in 2022, including many of the world's top media outlets, such as the New York Times , whose reporters keep going back to him for his expertise.