A collection of 552 articles has now been published in The Conversation by Flinders staff, amassing over 8 million reads and helping share the research and opinions of the University’s diverse experts around the world.
Flinders’ readership spiked in January 2016 with an article by the University’s Master Conversationalist Strategic Professor John Long’s ‘Giant Monster Megalodon sharks lurking in our oceans: be serious!’ – which has attracted over 713,000 reads to date, half of these based in the United States.
An article by Louise Matwiejczyk and Dr Kacie Dickinson on how much sugar is acceptable has also been immensely popular, with 332,642 reads since its publication in May 2016, and Dr Rob Manwaring has soared up the most-read list, with his recent insights into what kind of Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be attracting almost 278,000 readers.
Staff who are registered with The Conversation have access to an enormous wealth of analytics, including broader data such as most popular sections (science and technology by reads, or arts and culture by articles) and global reach.
As evidence of the lasting value of a contribution, just last month Professor Long’s legendary Megalodon article continued to be read widely – accumulating almost 6,000 reads over August alone. Other older articles have also stood the test of time, including several from 2011.
The publication also puts out an annual yearbook, and recently advised Dr Alice Gorman that one of her contributions will be included in the 50 best articles for its 2018 production.
A study released earlier this year by The Conversation found that most of its readers use the knowledge they acquire by reading its articles for learning or influencing their attitudes or behaviours. Content is also used by many readers to inform industry and government decision-making.
With content frequently re-published by outlets including the ABC and the Daily Mail, the publication is a valuable way for researchers at any stage in their career to raise their profile and share their insights.
At this stage the University has 195 Conversation contributors and a feed to authors’ Conversation articles has been included in the draft revision of the Flinders University staff profile pages.