SOF/Heyman is happy to share the Publics Lab's three-part series on media engagement that they are hosting this fall semester. The first event is a panel discussion on 11/5, followed by two workshops on 11/9 and 11/16.

Please see more information below or on the events page of their website to register.

How to Engage the Media: A discussion for aspiring public scholars (panel)

November 5th at 11:00am EST

Every day, thousands of experts are contacted by members of the media to offer context, commentary, interpretation, and opinion on current events. Academics and PhDs all have areas of expertise, many of which can be relevant to these current events. But there is a gulf of uncertainty between knowing your area of expertise and positioning yourself as someone who journalists can call on –– and then, of course, there is the question of what to do if you are called. Nonetheless, for academics and PhDs who want to have an impact beyond their disciplines, media engagement can be an important tool in the toolbox.

This panel –– which consists of both members of the media and faculty who engage frequently with the media –– will consider the ins and outs of media engagement for academics and PhDs. Topics covered include:

• Why, when, and how academics might want to engage with the media
• Genres of media engagement (op-ed, TV interview, print interview, etc.)
• The priorities and objectives of journalists and academics
• The role of media in scholarly communication
• Social media as media

RSVP for this event by registering via Zoom! If you have any accessibility needs for this event, please email [email protected].

Building an Impact Campaign through Media (workshops)

Many researchers hope their research will have an impact on the world, whether that means influencing the way people see themselves and others, affecting public policy, curing or preventing disease, or telling an as-yet untold narrative. In addition to reasons of altruism, we also know that impact is important for grant applications and building a career. But how can we as researchers increase the chances that our research will be noticed and therefore have the impact(s) we want it to?

In this two-part workshop led by wildlife and environment journalist Kara Jamie Norton, and award-winning filmmaker and photographer Michael Clark, we will explore how to build an impact campaign through different types of media that will make your work accessible to a broader audience.

Part One: 9 November 2021 | 11am-1pm EST

In our first session, we will consider social media as a tool to disseminate research findings, including:

• Breaking down new and innovative research for a general audience
• Infographics and visual representations of research
• Speaking to and working with journalists

Part Two: 16 November 2021 | 11am-1pm EST

In our second session, we will consider the importance of film and photography for impact, including:

• Crafting story for film and video
• How to film compelling stories with a smartphone
• Working with filmmakers and photographers and how they bring value
• Building impact into your grant applications

RSVP for these events by registering via Zoom! If you have any accessibility needs, please email [email protected].