For the modern day researcher, research visibility matters. While publishing in peer-reviewed journals is vital, it is also wise and useful to consider other ways of reaching wider audiences such as policy makers, the public and gain exposure.
Stellenbosch University (SU) is again partnering with The Conversation Africa (TC Africa), who will conduct and deliver its 2-hour workshop on popular media writing for scientists – to be held from 11:00 to 13:00 on Tuesday 31 May. The workshop, open to all SU academics, post-docs and PhD candidates, will be held online.
The workshop is designed to be a hands-on and interactive session and will equip researchers with skills to pitch and publish on The Conversation Africa. It will focus on how researchers can best communicate research findings and insights to non-academic audiences, be they the general public or policy makers for impact.
To date more than 300 SU authors have published 475 articles via The Conversation yielding more than 7.8 million reads on platforms the world over.
Jabulani Sikhakhane, Conversation Africa Editor says the team is excited to once again meet up and collaborate with Stellenbosch University academics. “There is such fascinating research coming out of the university. It's always a pleasure working with Stellenbosch University. We can't wait to engage with you all."
Martin Viljoen, Manager: Media, says that it was clear from previous workshops that there is a real need among academics to expand their teaching and research horizons. “Research has indicated that engaging with the media is beneficial to your research career and all but a 'nuisance' factor. In fact, most researchers find it rewarding as it gives them a broader perspective on their own research and helps develop new ideas through exposure to non-expert audiences. Starting out by writing for The Conversation is a safe and responsible way of engaging with the media."
A maximum of 30 people can attend the virtual workshop.
Facilitating the workshop will be members of TC Africa editorial team who have extensive experience in the media world.
MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
The workshop is designed to be an interactive session to help researchers to refine and improve how they communicate to non-academic audiences. The Writing Masterclass will empower scientists to be able to pitch their articles and establish the key message when writing for the general public.
Details: The workshop is to be held online on Tuesday 31 May 2022 from 11:00 – 13:00.
Who can attend: This workshop is open to all Stellenbosch University academics, post-docs and PhD candidates only (unfortunately NOT open to Masters students).
Register/RSVP by 24 May to secure your spot here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZJ3PXPW
More info: Martin Viljoen, media@sun.ac.za
About The Conversation
The Conversation Africa is a media organisation that works with academics and scientists, helping them to translate, write and share their research and expertise in an accessible way and sharing those insights with the ordinary public on a dedicated news and analysis website – www.theconversation.com/africa . The research and scholarly endeavour of African academics and scientists can have a significant bearing on societal issues, yet many academics and scientists lack the skills, experience necessary to write for non-scientists audiences and often also lack opportunities to do so. This means that their wealth of knowledge and research often remains trapped within university corridors, within peer-to-peer journals, leaving the public and the policy community deprived of access to important insights that could help shape evidence-based policymaking. The mission of The Conversation is to increase the visibility of African academics, scientists, their work and scholarship in society. Thus far, the initiative has been well received across the continent. Since launching in 2015, TC-Africa has published over 4 800 academics, cumulatively their over 7 000 articles have reached over 90 million reads online globally.
