Promote my research

News stories about your research:

• demonstrate the societal value of your work
• help attract other researchers and top students to UVic
• show that the public’s tax dollars are being well-spent
• tell elected representatives, granting agency officials, potential partners and funders what you’ve done with current research funding and what you could accomplish with more

Here are some guidelines on how to promote your research to the public.

Questions to consider

When it's time to promote your research, ask yourself these questions:

• Does the research have clear and significant public interest potential?
• Can the research be easily explained to a lay audience?
• Is the research sufficiently advanced enough that you can discuss some observations or results?
• Are there good visuals?
• Are you willing and available to be the spokesperson?

Interview tips

Consider giving print/online or broadcast media interviews about your research.

Tips for print/online media interviews

• know your medium—print or online
• know your market—local, national or international
  • what section will the story be in?
• know what you want to say—have a few key points to make and keep coming back to them
• keep your answers concise and simple—avoid academic language or complex scientific terms
  • use explanations anyone will understand
• know your limits—if you aren’t comfortable answering a question, don’t
  • take the conversation back to your key points

Tips for broadcast media interviews

• for TV, what visual best illustrates your research?
• what is the goal of your research and how it will be useful?
• are there people involved with your research who are willing to go on camera?
• what everyday examples can explain the goal or impact of your research
  • e.g., project X could save $2 million in health care costs
• is your research local or part of a larger effort?

UVic Speakers Bureau

Another way to promote is to share your research knowledge with local audiences.

Through the UVic Speakers Bureau, faculty and graduate students, along with staff and retirees, share their expertise and enthusiasm with:

• community groups
• schools
• clubs
• other organizations on southern Vancouver Island

Resources

• University Affairs magazine and Informed Opinions have teamed up to bring you a video series on how to communicate your research to a wide audience
• Science Media Centre of Canada media tips

Need help?

Contact UVic Communications + Marketing for help with communicating your research.

Email us or call 250-721-7636.