Pitch your idea to the Conversation – May session

The Conversation is a news analysis and opinion website written by academics working with professional journalists, funded by more than 80 UK and European universities. Working with an editor, researchers write short pieces that deliver academic expertise directly to the public.

This one-to-one session with one of The Conversation's experienced editors is tailored to you and your research.

Note the session takes place on Zoom and The Conversation expect you to turn your camera on.

How can I sign up?  

To express your interest, kindly send an email to Ellen Albertsdóttir, the project manager of the LU membership in The Conversation, at ellen [dot] albertsdottir [at] fsi [dot] lu [dot] se (ellen[dot]albertsdottir[at]fsi[dot]lu[dot]se.) In your email, please outline what you would like to present in a few sentences. 

Here are some guidelines to enhance your pitch:    

• What is the point you wish to make?
• Why should the reader care?
• List the main points of your proposal. But do not give too many details. Focus on broader brushstrokes. 
• Why are you pitching this story right now? 
• Why are you the right person to write this article? 

If selected, we'll collaborate with you to refine your pitch. 

It's essential for us to have representation from all faculties, and we encourage applicants from diverse academic backgrounds to participate in this opportunity. Spots are very limited.

Available slots: 

• 9 April 11:30 - 13:30 and 2 May 11:30 - 13:30.
• Every slot is 20 minutes.

Use the session to:

• Receive advice on the best angles for turning your research and expertise into articles.
• Talk around your subject area looking for a potential angle you might have discounted or missed.
• Receive actionable, personalised feedback on how to communicate your research to a general audience.

To get the most out of your time with the editor, come prepared:

• The Conversation – Staff Pages 
• The Conversation: Who we are and how we work with academics
• How to write for The Conversation

Unable to attend?

The Conversation provides concise online courses designed to teach you how to effectively pitch and write for them, as well as how to engage non-academic audiences. These courses offer a flexible learning experience, featuring a mix of videos and texts that you can explore at your own pace and according to your schedule.

The Conversation Training courses

Benefits of writing for the Conversation

Based on a survey of authors contributing to The Conversation in 2020-21:

• 55% were contacted by the media.
• 17% were invited to speak at conferences or asked to do so.
• 16% were contacted by NGOs or charities.
• 14% were asked to collaborate on research.
• 12% were contacted by business or industry.
• 5% were contacted by the government.