Beyond the Journal: the science of communication
11 Jun 2020
Working in research communications can be intense, with multiple demands coming from different directions in normal times. Is it possible to avoid overload?
06 Apr 2020
Researchers often face the challenge of talking about their findings while conveying uncertainty. How best to communicate confidently without shying away from the limitations?
11 Feb 2020
When a story breaks and the full facts are not clear, what can researchers and communicators do to help media gather information? Should there be a range of voices or one clear message coordinated from the top?
04 Dec 2019
As well as clearing our inboxes at the end of the calendar year, now is a good time to prepare for the next.
01 Nov 2019
A room full of media waiting to hear your news may seem intimidating, but a press conference is an efficient and effective way to communicate your research and an excellent opportunity to look behind the scenes at how news works.
01 Oct 2019
What is it like when hundreds of media outlets in more than 50 countries cover your research news in 20 languages?
05 Sep 2019
The press release is written, approved and sent out. Researchers are prepared for media, and interviews are lined up. Then an embargo break happens... It is possible to make the best of a difficult situation.
17 Aug 2019
While each crisis may throw up its unique challenges, there are many things we can do to prepare ourselves and our organisations to better manage a situation as it unfolds.
17 Jul 2019
Like them or loathe them, embargoes are a part of communicating new scientific research to the media.
06 May 2019
As press officers we work hard to help research news reach broad audiences, but it’s easy to wonder “is my effort making any difference?”
06 Apr 2019
Fears that automation will take our jobs are rife, but press officers need not feel threatened by new tools that translate technical research into lay summaries.
04 Mar 2019
Don't be afraid of using a variety of tools and strategies to spread the word.
01 Feb 2019
You just gave the talk of your career, presenting exciting new results, and got noticed by a journalist. What do you do?
15 Jan 2019
Writing and preparing good quotes requires thought and preparation, but not as much time as you’d think. This month we look at the key to your quote being used.
13 Dec 2018
Despite our best efforts, sometimes it can be impossible to penetrate the news. How can we manage expectations and plan for success?
08 Nov 2018
It’s easy to get excited about a piece of research, write a press release and send it out. Harder is considering why you want to do that, who you are targeting and how you will achieve your aim.
10 Oct 2018
When is a breakthrough not a breakthrough? We delve into the dos and don’ts of press releases.
07 Sep 2018
Walking into registration on the first morning of a conference can feel intimidating, but conferences bring personal connections that can enrich your career.
07 Aug 2018
Whether talking one to one, using social media, or announcing results in a media release, first consider why the audience should care.
10 Jul 2018
Talking to the media about your research can be nerve wracking, but it doesn't have to be with a little practice.
04 Jun 2018
In this month's column, we offer tips to make the most of social media for your professional life.
03 May 2018
How does it feel when your research becomes the centre of media attention? We asked Rafaela Takeshita of the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University, whose research about female snow monkeys using hot springs became a big hit.
10 Apr 2018
How can stories help when explaining complex research? Our regular column investigates the power of anecdote and analogy.
08 Mar 2018
Our resident expert puts press releases under the microscope in this month's Beyond the Journal.
08 Feb 2018
In a new monthly column, our resident expert provides a quick checklist for preparing to engage with lay audiences.
17 Jan 2018
In a new monthly column, our resident expert explains why you should embrace the challenge of communicating with broader audiences. Check out the first edition of Beyond the Journal.