In the era of fake news and alternative facts, global citizens are thirsty for fact-based, in-depth analysis on issues important to them. That’s where The Conversation has found its niche by paring academic experts with experienced journalists to write informed content that can be shared and repurposed by media outlets worldwide.

Queen’s is a founding member of The Conversation Canada, which launched in 2017. It’s one of 10 international affiliates of the news outlet. On Wednesday, Dec.  4, Scott White, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Conversation Canada, will be on campus to deliver two workshops open to Queen’s researchers interested in using the platform to mobilize their work and to share expertise.

The workshops will explore the changing media landscape in Canada, why researchers should write for The Conversation, and how to develop the perfect pitch. Registration for the workshops is open to faculty, graduate students, and research staff, with two sessions, 10-11:30 am and 1:30-3 pm, taking place in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies building, room 101.

Building on a record of success

As a founding member of The Conversation Canada, over the last two years the Queen’s research community has embraced the platform as a unique tool for sharing their research expertise and engaging with the media. Over 125 Queen’s researchers have published 202 pieces that have received an impressive 2.8 million views via The Conversation Canada’s website.  Through the platform’s Creative Commons Licensing and newswire access, dozens of major media outlets, including Maclean’s, The National Post, CNN, TIME, The Washington Post, The Sydney Herald, and Scientific American, have republished these pieces.

“As the media landscape evolves, The Conversation is a tremendous resource and opportunity for any researcher seeking to promote their research beyond the academy,” says Michael Fraser, Vice Principal (University Relations). "So far, Queen’s has done an enviable job of working with The Conversation Canada to relay the impact of the scholarship happening at Queen's to a variety of external audiences, and we hope to continue to build this partnership."

It’s time to join The Conversation

Queen’s is looking to add to its roster of authors taking part in The Conversation Canada. Faculty and graduate students interested in learning more about the platform and research promotion are encouraged to register for the Dec. 4 workshops or contact Melinda Knox, Associate Director, Research Profile and Initiatives, for more information.