The Conversation Canada
University of Victoria researchers can now share their research expertise through a new partnership between UVic and The Conversation—a daily, independent online publication, delivering analysis and explanatory journalism from the academic and research community directly to the public. It’s a not-for-profit collaboration, where professional editors work directly with researchers to publish articles for a worldwide audience.
The Conversation has eight country editions and publishes under a Creative Commons license, so any media outlet can re-publish its articles. Full attribution is given to the author and their university.
In 2020, more than 500 media outlets around the world republished The Conversation Canada articles in Canada and beyond, including Canadian Press, National Post, CNN, the Guardian, Scientific American, TIME and The Washington Post.
Why contribute
The Conversation platform is now part of the communications toolkit available through University Communications and Marketing to help researchers gain further earned-media coverage on research topics across all disciplines. By participating, you will:
- Contribute to UVic’s efforts to boost our reputation, research profile and impact in many fields—especially those that get less “airtime” in the mainstream media.
- Advance knowledge transfer by UVic researchers and graduate students to a broad audience. Authors can also use the stories and access the platform’s data analytics to demonstrate knowledge mobilization in grant applications.
- Develop and strengthen research communication skills.
- Deepen relationships—or create new ones—with important stakeholders including other researchers, funding agencies, community, industry and government, as well as specialty “beat” journalists.
Who can contribute
- UVic researchers or academics. This includes associate, adjunct, postdoctoral and emeritus professors.
- Grad students may also contribute, but master’s students must have a professor as a co-author.
How to contribute
- Create an account with The Conversation Canada.
- Review The Conversation's pitch guidelines.
- Submit your idea via the online form.
- A Conversation Canada editor will contact you through your author dashboard. If they wish to pursue the idea, an editor will work with you directly to upload and collaborate in the editing process through CC’s online platform.
How we can help
Contact the communications officer who supports your faculty or research centre or connect with Media Relations at uvicnews@uvic.ca. We can provide tips and guidance on writing for a non-academic audience, and we’re here if you need help refining your pitch before you submit.
Recent UVic contributions
Concerned about foreign interference in Canada?
The Conversation
Investing in employee ownership could help the government
The Conversation
Protecting children from exploitation: Online Behaviour Approach
The Conversation
Silicon Valley Bank’s failure: Could it happen in Canada?
The Conversation