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Introduction to writing for non-academic audiences


Event details

Information

The ability to communicate research ideas and research findings clearly is becoming more important than ever. As academic researchers we increasingly need to engage with the public and with external groups and organisations to ensure our work has maximum impact.

There are many different outlets for this type of writing - not just personal and collective blogs, local and national newspapers, and specialist magazines.  Research funders increasingly ask for ‘lay summaries’ of research as part of a proposal. In addition any collaborative work outside academia requires that we can communicate our research ideas and plans to potential partners in a clear and engaging way.

The workshops will be hosted by Professor Jane Elliott. Jane will be introducing  Andrew Naughtie International Editor of The Conversation.

Who should attend

We advise that colleagues in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies would benefit from attending the workshop. There will be two wrokshops to choose from, please register to attend the work shop that best suits you.

Workshop 1 10:00 - 12:30

This introductory workshop is aimed primarily at Early and Mid-Career researchers who have limited experience of writing for non-academic audiences. It will provide an opportunity to work with colleagues to develop your existing skills.

It will be led by a professional editor from The Conversation who will provide practical help and advice on how to write in a way that makes your research as accessible as possible.

Workshop 1 Indicative Programme

Time Agenda Item
10:00 Registration and coffee
10:15 Introductions
10:30 Why write for public audiences, and tips on style, tone and structure
11:15 Q&A and refreshments
11:30  Practical group exercise - developing ideas for articles
12:15 Introduction to The Conversation with Andrew Naughtie, International Editor - What does writing for The Conversation involve?
12:30 Networking lunch and session close

Workshop 2 13:15 - 15:30

This workshop is aimed primarily researchers who already have experience of writing for non-academic audiences but would like to hone their existing skills. It will provide an opportunity to work with colleagues to share best practice.

It will be led by a professional editor from The Conversation who will provide practical help and advice on how to develop your own writing skills.

All those regsitered to attend at either workshop are welcome to attend the networking lunch at 12:30.

Workshop 2 Indicative Programme

Time Agenda Item
13:15 Introductions and examples of previous experiences of writing
13:45 How we can engage different audiences and improve style, tone and structure (with examples)
14:30  Q&A/sharing of experiences over tea
14:45 Working with The Conversation - The benefits for academics and universities with Andrew Naughtie, International Editor
15:15 Practical group exercise
15:30 Close/networking

Registration

Please use the online registration form to register your attendance for either of the workshops. If you have any questions about the event please email research-events@exeter.ac.uk

 

Location:

Innovation Centre, Conference Room, Rennes Drive, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter, EX4 4RN