Writing about Research for Impact & Influence
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Effective science communication has long held the power to reshape our world by driving changes in policy and public opinion. As society struggles with pandemic effects, anthropogenic climate change, and dwindling biodiversity, there is an acute need for scientist–communicators who can effectively convey the spectacular power of research to address these obstacles. In this course, early-career researchers will learn skills for high-impact, immediate engagement with readers, including decision-makers, colleagues, and members of the lay public. Unlike traditional writing courses, this course is focused on capturing audience attention in concrete ways that compel action, using common professional formats such as op-eds, memoranda, press releases, one-pagers, and blog entries. The workshop-driven program also includes instruction on publishing mechanics, covering topics such as pitching your work to editors, establishing an online presence, and achieving proficiency with graphic design fundamentals.
PREREQUISITES
None
COURSE FORMATS
This online course consists of pre-recorded lectures, each of which has an associated short writing assignment. Students will meet live each week with the instructor for a small-group workshop in which they will share and critique each other’s work (see schedule below).
Summer : August 7 - September 17, 2023 : $600 professional / $450 student
ESA and TWS Continuing Education Credit: included for FREE
PRIMARY INSTRUCTOR
This is course is being offered in partnership by AIBS and CWS.
Week 1:
Science Blogging: Taking advantage of existing platforms, as well as setting up your own.
Week 2:
One Pagers: Using online tools to design eye-catching flyers and infographics.
Week 3:
Press Releases: Writing for newswires and science journalism outlets, with additional information on working with institutional communications professionals to help promote your work.
Week 4:
Media: Getting set up, finding your voice, and having an impact (even if your existing following is small).
Week 5:
Op-Eds and Commentaries: Persuasive writing for the general public and policymakers.
Week 6:
Memoranda: Writing to drive decision-making within your organization.
Synthesis: Bringing the course's approach to bear on other forms of writing and positioning yourself to say "yes" when there's an opportunity to write.
“I not only found the Writing About Research course helpful but also enjoyed it immensely. James was a great teacher and provided the resources I needed to reach new audiences beyond the academy. I received templates that were easy to use, clear and constructive feedback, and timely and up-to-date information. An unexpected bonus was reading about the other participants’ research - it was always so interesting. I have recommended the course to other scholars and will continue to do so. Thanks, James!”
Roberta Howard Hunter
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Michigan State University
“Writing about Research for Impact & Influence is a unique course and I was so excited when I first saw it as I just knew it would be beneficial to me – and it really was! You can tell a lot of time and effort went into planning and preparing the modules. As someone who gets very nervous about “live” sessions, this was a perfect balance of being enjoyable and valuable, but not intimidating. James is great and you don’t get ‘put on the spot’ and, aside from sharing your work, you can contribute as much or as little as you want to the discussion. I have applied something from every single module to my job already. Would highly recommend.”
Lisa Olivier
Conservation Behaviour Advisor, Game Rangers International
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
This course has been approved for continuing education by (1) the Ecological Society of America for 4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training, and (2) The Wildlife Society for 16 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program. Students must complete all exercises in this course to receive a Certification of Course Completion, which is required to earn the CEUs specified above. See our continuing education credit page for details.
UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE CREDIT (OPTIONAL)
This 1-semester credit equivalent course can be taken as an Independent Study (or the like) with pre-approval from an advisor or committee chair at a student’s college or university. In addition to meeting the requirements for course completion, students must pass a final project/exam to earn academic credit (e.g., Pass/Fail, letter grade) for this course. See our academic credit page for details.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Full scholarships are available to participants from countries designated as “lower income” and “lower middle income” in the World Bank List of Economies. Please see our CWS World Scholars Program page for details.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations 30 days or more before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations <30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.