The document summarizes the benefits of academics sharing their research through The Conversation, a not-for-profit media outlet. It notes that The Conversation editors work with academics to make their research accessible to the general public and that this exposure can lead to new opportunities, such as being approached by industry leaders or appearing in additional media. The document also provides examples of academics whose work through The Conversation received significant attention and engagement that advanced their careers.

1. Academic rigour, journalistic flair

2. ● Our team of professional editors
work with academics to unlock
their knowledge for the wider
public.
● We seed the mainstream media
with expert voices.
● We are focused on public
interest journalism.

3. TRUST IS THE KEY TO GROWTH
3
• The Conversation was founded in
Australia, now with editions based in the
UK, US, Canada, South Africa & France.
• All our stories are free to read or
republish – which is how we reach
millions more readers through global
media outlets.
• More than 80% of our readers are non-
academics.
• Academics get final sign-off on all edits,
so it’s accurate.
35
million reach
including republication
in other media
8
million users
on site

4. Commercial
media
Not for profit
x
Authors recognised experts
x
Content free to the public
x
Free from commercial agenda
x
Solution-centric
x
Safe publishing platform
x
Creative Commons, access to all
x
New voices
x
WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT

5. 5
● “... there are data
providers which collect
research metrics of
internet downloads,
blogs, Wikipedia
entries, Twitter and
other social media (for
example Altmetrics by
Digital Science, The
Conversation and the
AusSMC ).”

6. 6
An article published by The Conversation, or media interviews,
can be evidence of research engagement beyond academia.
The ARC says “potential indicators for optional use in the
engagement narrative” include:
ARC ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT
● Book sales
● Serving on external advisory boards
● Consultations with community groups, professional/practice organisations, govt
● Consultation with/advice to Government
● Expert witness in court cases
● Contributions/submissions to public enquiries on industry-research related issues
● Public lectures, seminars, open days, school visits
● Presentations to practitioner communities
● Established networks and relationships with research users
● Public lectures, policy engagements, media engagements, community events)
● Media coverage of exhibitions and new works
● Metrics which capture social media activity

7. Inside an author dashboard

8. 8
REAL WORLD ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT
“My first two articles were
republished and read in more than
10 countries, including Japan,
Germany and India. That
international exposure is fuelling a
whirlwind of new opportunities: I’ve
been approached by industry
leaders such as Microsoft, and
given in-kind funding from Amazon
to further my work…. [and recently
met] Dr. Werner Vogels, Chief
Technology Officer and Vice
President of Amazon.com.”

9. Global exposure creates new opportunities

10. Why share research with the public? Here’s why

11. Make a mark with policymakers & the public
“Soon after I started writing about our research for The Conversation, I was
invited to present at an event with all the key regulatory stakeholders. I assumed
they’d know nothing about our project – but was surprised to find nearly
everyone in the room had read my Conversation articles.
Some state government regulators even came up afterwards to say, 'We really
like what you're doing with The Conversation, please keep writing’ … Instead of
ending up in a government report that isn't read, many tens of thousands of
people have read about our findings.” - MARTIN YOUNG, GAMBLING
RESEARCHER, SCU
- JENNY OSTINI, DIGITAL FUTURES RESEARCHER, USQ

12. The academic value of sharing what you know
As well as attracting 180,000 readers,
this January 2014 article led to:
• Talkback on ABC Radio National
• Interviews on ABC radio (Qld &
NSW) + commercial radio (4BC)
• ABC 1 TV Breakfast interview
That national media coverage resulted in:
• Very happy funding partners (govt & industry) +
approaches from new potential funders
• Invitations to review for a high-rated journal; submit
to another; and present at a conference
• A lasting spike in Wendy’s publication
downloads (shown below, starting January 2014).
“As a first-time Conversation
author, the results far exceeded
my expectations.”

13. Why share research with the public? Here’s why

14. 14
REAL WORLD ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT
Alice Gorman, space archeology
expert, has been:
● cited in academic papers, as well as
scientific articles and books (The
Atlantic, The Voyager Record)
● been profiled by New Yorker
● cited by government (referred by
Chair of Australian Institute of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Studies)
● published in Best Australian Science
Writing
● Interviewed for Between The Lines
(ABC National) and by CSIRO

15. “Some articles have an impact
even years after publication,
particularly an article I wrote back
in 2013 on Aboriginal music sent
into space on the Voyager
spacecraft.
That story continues to resonate
hugely, here and overseas;
among other things, it’s been
included in an anthology of the
Best Australian Science Writing
and cited in a published paper.”

16. PITCHING IDEAS

17. PITCHING IDEAS
New research
News hook
An explainer

18. BUT IT’S EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE
The Conversation Australia has just 18 section editors, who receive hundreds
of pitches daily. We have to prioritise the pitches we can accept.

19. MORE THAN WORDS: MULTIMEDIA STORYTELLING

20. NEED MORE HELP? WE RUN MASTERCLASSES
Can you write about your research in a clear, concise & compelling
way? Do you know how to tailor & target your work to gain
attention beyond your own peers – including politicians, the media,
industry & grant assessors?
Available on campus by request for 10-20 participants per session, at a
discount rate as a Member of The Conversation.
For more details: bit.ly/PitchMasterclass

21. theconversation.com
charis.palmer@theconversation.edu.au
conversationEDU
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