Taking a Step Back to Move Forward
One of the main lessons I share with researchers is not to force research communication that feels inauthentic. When it feels forced, it becomes work. And when research communication becomes work, it is easy to push aside and never actually do. So after another (unsuccessful) year of spinning my wheels as a research communications professional, […]
Effective Research Communication Strategies: 3 Common Mistakes Scholars Makes (And How to Fix Them)
A lot of advice about general research communication strategies is backwards. We’re told to “make research accessible to everyone” and “communicate after you publish.” But the researchers I see having real impact? They’re doing something completely different. They’re being strategic about who they’re talking to and when they start the conversation. If you’re a researcher […]
Setting Your 2025 Research Communication Goals (It’s Simpler Than You Think)
As another year draws to a close, many researchers are thinking about how to expand their research impact in the coming year. Perhaps you spent 2024 focused on publishing but are ready to engage more broadly with your work. Or maybe you experimented with social media updates but want to develop a more purposeful communication […]
How to Practice Reflexive Research Communication: A Practical Guide
Effective research communication requires more than just clear writing and presentation skills. It demands awareness of how our own backgrounds, assumptions, and positions influence how we share our work with others. This is where reflexive research communication becomes crucial. At its core, reflexive research communication asks us to examine how our personal experiences, disciplinary training, […]
AI for Independent Scholars: Building a Research-Informed Business
Just because I’m not in academia doesn’t mean I’m not an academic. For better or for worse, this mindset shaped how I developed my business as an independent scholar – learning everything I could to create an evidence-based approach. Research and literature aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re integral to my work. And transitioning into science communication […]
8 Creative Content Ideas for Video-Based Research Communication on IG and TikTok
Staring at a blank screen, wondering how to share your research in a way that is interesting and engaging? You’re not alone. Research communication on Instagram and Tiktok is not necessarily something your grad school courses cover. Related Post: PhD Skills Gap: Why Your Doctorate Needs More Than Research Training for Today’s PhD Job Market […]
Beyond the Media Pitch: Strategies for Researchers to Gain Media Exposure
As a scholar, your research can change lives and shape our world. Imagine the impact you could have by sharing your expertise beyond academia! Working with the media offers an efficient way to share your work, spread your findings widely, and open doors to unexpected collaborations. In this post, we will provide strategies for researchers […]
International Fellowships for Independent Scholars: Application Submitted! (Plus Insights and Resources)
Well, dear reader. It’s done. I’ve officially submitted my Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship application. I can hardly believe it. My relief is immense. My relief was immediately followed up with a cocktail of fear, self-doubt, and impatience. Did I write clearly enough? Will they really consider me for a fellowship? Is this idea stupid? These are […]
Engagement Coaching: A New Approach 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 […]
Finding a Host Institution for International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
When I last wrote about my interest in seeking international fellowships for Independent Scholars, I was full of nerves, anxiety, and a general feeling of “what am I even doing?’ There is so much that can go wrong here. And my time is so finite, why would I spend it on taking this chance? But, […]
