Developing a Research Communication Culture in Higher Education: Practical Steps for Leaders

A black and white photo of a set of stairs. this is a metaphor for the uphill challenge to create a research communication culture in higher education

As universities navigate an increasingly complex media landscape and face growing public scrutiny, it’s clear that conducting excellent research isn’t enough anymore. Nor is just sending out a press release or posting to social media. Research communication culture in higher education needs to fundamentally change. It’s time to create an environment that truly supports research […]

Want Better Research Impact? Stop Thinking About “The General Public”

A group of people sit in an auditorium on research communication. It is an audience that includes the general public, various people, genders, races, and abilities.

I recently revisited a blog post I wrote in early 2023 on public scholarship and reflected on how much I’ve learned since then. Through deeper reading, conversations with science communications theorists, and my own practice, I’ve evolved in how I think about research communication. To start, I’ve shifted from exclusively using the term public scholarship […]

Unlocking Effective Science Communication: The Engagement Coaching Process

A client prepares themselves for a engagement coaching session to help with their science communication. There is an open laptop a notebook open with a pen on top of it, a cup of coffee, and a clear desk in front of a bright window.

Have you ever sat in a communication training or online workshop and thought, “How am I ever supposed to do this?” You’re not alone. As a researcher, you know the importance of sharing your work, but translating that knowledge into effective science communication can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re struggling to find time for outreach, unsure […]

How Engagement Coaches Elevate Science Communication

A researcher sits for an interview in a library. As a researcher, she has practiced her science communication with an engagement coach.

We’re back with more on coaching! In our previous post, we introduced the concept of engagement coaching as an innovative approach to science communication training. Unlike traditional science communication training, engagement coaching is personalized. It offers one-on-one support tailored to each researcher’s unique needs and goals. We explored the benefits for graduate students, established researchers, […]

Engagement Coaching: A New Approach to Science Communication Training

A virtual call between a researcher and their engagement coach as an alternative to science communication training

In the modern world, communicating research outside of academic spaces has become increasingly important. Yet many researchers struggle to connect their expertise and public communication. On top of that, the terms “public communication,” “science communication,” or “research communication” can mean so many different things to different people. Science communication training is often generalized and lack […]

How to Get Media Coverage for Research: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

For many scholars and researchers, figuring out how to get media coverage for research is a nerve-wracking prospect. The stress of finding the right person to reach out to, figuring out exactly what to say, and when one should follow up are questions that boggle the mind.  But we know how valuable media outreach and […]

How to be a Better Academic Writer

Man is sitting at desk with a notebook in front of him, a pen in hand, and his phone next to the notebook. He is writing in a blank notebook by hand in his creative writing class as he learns how to be a better academic writer.

Take A Creative Writing Course When one reflects on the question – how to be a better academic writer – I am sure several answers come up. Read more. Write more. Never write again. The idea of creative writing typically does not go hand-in-hand with academic writing, and for good reason. Academic writing is formulaic, passive, […]

Unleashing the Power of Research Communication Through Reflexivity

A photo of a man and his reflection from a water puddle in the street.

In the realm of research communication, especially within social sciences and humanities, effective communication isn’t just about transmitting information. It’s about fostering understanding, interpreting meaning, and building bridges with an audience.  Effective research communication is crucial, especially in a time where disinformation and misinformation is rampant, and trust in science and our institutions is fraught. […]

hand touching books on a shelf

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