​​Invitation to a writing for popular media masterclass

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 policymakers, the general public, and gain exposure. Stellenbosch University is partnering with The Conversation Africa (TC Africa) to conduct a 90min virtual science communication masterclass via Zoom on how to communicate research findings to non-academic audiences. 

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.

RSVP/Register by 27 May here (the class will be presented via Zoom)

Who can attend: This workshop is open to all Stellenbosch University academics, post-docs and PhD candidates only (unfortunately not open to Masters students).

More info: Martin Viljoen, media@sun.ac.za 

About The Conversation: The Conversation Africa (TC-Africa) is a not-for-profit media initiative serving universities and the research sector in Africa. TC-Africa's mission is to mainstream the voices of scientists in the media and to support science engagement and science communication activities of scientists in Africa. They work with academics and scientists, who they assist to write, edit and publish evidence/research-based analytical articles (+/- 800 words) on various societal issues and articles about their research findings as well. The objective being to make the knowledge produced in the academy accessible, easy to understand and freely available for the public to be informed and use. Articles are published daily on https://theconversation.com/africa. Publishing under a Creative Commons Licence, The Conversation advocates for open access and all articles can be republished by other media freely, ensuring a wider global reach. Since launching in May 2015, TC-Africa has published over 3 200 academics, researchers and scientists and cumulatively, the articles have been widely read and have achieved an incredible reach of over 70 million reads online globally, proving that expert voices are much needed. And that, communicated well, the work of scientists in Africa can go along way to educate the public, solve societal problems and inform policymakers about critical issues facing society.