For press officers: Intro to research PR
Gaining media coverage of research is a powerful way to promote the strengths and expertise of your academic staff and raise your institution’s profile. However, publicising research brings particular challenges. This course will help you to be more confident in how to spot the newsworthiness of research, understand academic papers, ask the right questions of the researcher, navigate the politics of working alongside funders and collaborators, and produce accurate and effective press releases.
COURSE LENGTH
3.5 hours
NUMBER OF DELEGATES
A maximum of eight delegates per Campus PR trainer.
Who should attend?
Press officers new to the HE sector or to research PR, communications or marketing staff tasked with sourcing research-related stories.
What to expect
Understanding of the particular challenges involved in Research PR
An insight into the peer review process
Guidance on how to spot the story from research papers
Tips on conducting a research interview
Practical exercises
Group discussions and hand-outs
Advice and information to put the skills learned into practice
What you’ll learn
What makes a newsworthy story for different audiences
How to find key information to develop the story
How to get the best information possible from the researcher you’re interviewing
What unspoken etiquette is needed when dealing with co-authors, journals and other stakeholders
Principles of constructing news releases and pitches
What additional supporting materials would strengthen the story
Who could supply quotations to strengthen your story
How to secure the necessary approvals and end up with a great release
How to reduce the risk of research being misrepresented or misreported
How to deal with a journal’s publication policies and manage embargoes