Researchers with an angle for an article in The Conversation, or who have considered signing up as an author but not yet found time, are encouraged to visit the publication’s ‘pitch’ page for helpful information and to access a submission form.

Although articles written for The Conversation require fewer words than academic papers, they still demand significant effort. Accordingly, it can be prudent to understand interest in a topic prior to putting ‘pen to paper’ and conduct a key word check to see if anything similar has already been published.

New studies provide an ideal opportunity to share fresh insights with a broad audience, however researchers can also add much value through fact checking-style pieces, fresh perspectives on current issues, or plain English explanations of complex issues. These are just some of the article styles published by The Conversation.

If your pitch is accepted but you’re unsure about adapting your writing style to suit the publication, then the media team at Flinders can help – simply email newsdesk@flinders.edu.au for support (including editorial suggestions on drafted work.)

An added bonus of publishing for The Conversation is that articles may be reproduced free of charge by media outlets around the world (which happens frequently), under its ‘Creative Commons’ licence, further expanding an article’s reach.

Additionally, staff registered with The Conversation have access to an enormous wealth of analytics, including data such as most popular sections and global reach.

There are many other ways to build personal brand and demonstrate the impact of ones’ work and its value in the community.

For those who may be spending more time solo, now could represent an opportunity to explore social media as a tool to share research and build your personal brand and peer network; update your researcher/University profile; register as an expert on Scimex, or share your latest research or an upcoming study with the University’s media team if not already done so. News outside the COVID-19 focus may still be relevant to the media, or could be prepared now for sharing later.