Have you thought about getting your work in front of more people? If not, it may be because you don’t know where to start. Either way, there are benefits of doing so.

#1 -- You’re supporting research in general by helping the public learn of its existence and importance. #2 -- You’re expanding awareness of career options to younger generations, since most high school students receive only limited exposure to science.

Further, many benefits that will come to you from this kind of sharing were described in our Yes, you are being Googled newsletter. More people will be aware of your work, and that can lead to new opportunities for collaboration, invited talks, and further exposure. All of which builds trust, which is a foundation of funding decisions.

Here are three ways to do this:

Within your institution. It may be referred to as the News, Press, or Public Affairs Office, or something similar. It is staffed with communications experts who can tell the story of your research to a general audience in text, photography and/or video. The content created may be for internal publication, such as a website, or it may become a formal press release distributed to media outside the university.

A press release is an official statement delivered to members of the media (e.g., publications, broadcasters) for the purpose of providing information, creating an official statement, or making an announcement for public release. Distributed by a News Office (or equivalent) it is also considered a primary source, meaning the sender, whose contact information is in the release, is an original and authorized source of the information.

If you have not yet worked with a News Office, make an effort to learn about them. If you win an award or have a major finding, they may contact you and suggest producing something on that work. However, you can also reach out to them yourself because they regularly produce content about ongoing research at the institution.

News Office staff themselves may be able to take photographs or videos of you and your lab upon request, or guide you to other resources. If you let them know of your interest, you might be the PI they reach out to when they have a deadline approaching or otherwise need material for a story.

Register with SciLine. This service is supported by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In their own words, it is an editorially independent, nonpartisan, and non-profit service for journalists and scientists. They connect reporters to subject matter experts. They make it easy to complete a short form in which you describe your field, location and specific expertise. Keep in mind that, although a publication might be doing a nationwide search for a prominent expert, smaller publications often look for more locally or regionally focused experts. SciLine also offers regular webinars that provide training for scientists interacting with the media.

Do it yourself. You don’t need to limit yourself to external resources. It’s never been easier to document activities with our phones and share that on social media. By creating your own content, you can share with the world directly, and anything that is lacking in production quality is made up for in authenticity. Also, when you release content, journalists will see that you are willing to do so and see your personal style. You may be asked to work with them, in which case they will produce something more polished.

You may feel that your lab is not yet fully set up, and you don’t have new findings to share. You can still record videos to document aspects of setting up the lab and working with your team. Possibilities are unlimited. Bottom line: with the DIY route, you can share any aspect of your research.

Remember, if you do engage with a reporter or journalist through SciLine or other intermediaries, and/or start releasing a large volume of content on your own, check with your News Office to be sure those efforts are all coordinated, and that you don’t unintentionally step on any toes.

Recognizing the value of small awards

Have you won a small amount of funding? Or are you thinking about applying for a small award? These awards have value beyond the dollars. Check out this short video on ways that small awards can advance your career:

When you are ready, here’s how we can help

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 10-week program to get you there.

Ready to book a call to discuss our program or to have Dr. Barzyk provide training at your institution? Let’s chat!