His scholarship examines how perception, sensation, images, media and cultural forms shape political judgment and democratic life
UCLA Social Sciences
Davide Panagia, professor and chair of UCLA’s Department of Political Science, has been elected fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), one of Canada’s highest honors recognizing distinguished scholars, artists and scientists.
Panagia will join the society’s Academy of Social Sciences and is among the other 105 other scholars and researchers elected across the society’s three academies. His work explores how politics intersects with culture, art, and technology—looking at topics like film, digital media, affect and the ways people experience democratic life in multicultural societies.
“A truly cosmopolitan and interdisciplinary thinker, Panagia focuses on the role of aesthetics in the study of political culture and how experiences of diversity, equality and participation shape public values and shared belongings,” said a statement announcing RSC’s class of 2026 on Sept. 9.
Born in Italy, Panagia immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada at age six where he spent his childhood and young adult life. He received an honors degree in political science from the University of Manitoba and went on to complete a masters in letters in political theory at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He later received his doctorate degree in political science at Johns Hopkins University.
Before joining UCLA’s Department of Political Science in 2014, Panagia held the Canada Research Chair in Cultural Studies at Trent University. He has also served as an editor for major academic journals including Theory & Event (2010-2015) and Political Theory (2020-2023).
Panagia’s research spans contemporary political theory, Continental philosophy and modern French thought. His most recent book publications include: “Sentimental Empiricism: Politics, Philosophy and Criticism in Postwar France (Fordham University Press, 2024)” and “Intermedialities: Political Theory and Cinematic Experience (Northwestern University Press, 2024).”
Panagia and other members of RSC’s class of 2026 will be honored Nov. 13 at the society’s Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Ottawa, Canada.
Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada is Canada’s senior national academy and exists to promote Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment in both of Canada’s official languages, to recognize academic and artistic excellence, and to advise governments, non-governmental organizations, and Canadians generally on matters of public interest.
Learn more: The Royal Society of Canada Announces its 2026 Class of Fellows and College Members.