How to amplify your research, pitch a really good story idea, and create content with impact

The latest online trend making its rounds with your family and friends is a web-based word puzzle called Wordle. But why is it so captivating? 

“This popular daily distraction is not likely to make you smarter or ward off brain aging but may give you a dose of complex cognition as well as social interaction,” says Dr. Penny Pexman, associate vice-president (research) and an expert in psycholinguistics.

Pexman recently wrote about the science behind word puzzles in The Conversation Canada, an online publication delivering analysis and explanatory journalism from the academic and research community directly to the public. It’s a platform where professional editors work directly with academics and researchers to publish articles for a wide audience.

Her article has over 80,000 pageviews, and was republished by PBS and The National Post, among others. The article also led to an interview on NPR and on CBC’s Calgary Eyeopener, where  Pexman discussed whether Wordle was good for our brains.

Write for The Conversation Canada

It all starts with a really great story idea. UCalgary researchers, including postdocs and master's or PhD candidates, can pitch ideas to The Conversation Canada, and if selected, write an article alongside their editors.

“It’s a great exercise in knowledge engagement,” says Dr. Stephanie Warner, PhD,  manager of the Knowledge Engagement unit in the Research Services Office. “Writing for The Conversation Canada is a great way to start amplifying your research, and there is a possibility to create connection with community or other researchers in your area.”

Researchers who write for the publication will have access to real-time data to see how many times their article was read and republished. The Conversation Canada operates under a Creative Commons — attribution/no derivatives licence. This means news outlets around the world can republish your article, leading to media exposure and possible collaborations.

Workshop Mar. 7

UCalgary’s Knowledge Engagement team is offering a workshop on how to pitch an idea to The Conversation Canada on Mar. 7. The workshop will be facilitated by editor-in-chief Scott White. 

He’ll explain the mission of The Conversation Canada, offer some background on how it helps academics with knowledge mobilization, and give tips on how to pitch a really great story idea. Pexman will also share her experience writing for the platform. Participants are encouraged (though not required) to bring story ideas to discuss.

The Conversation Canada, webinar + workshop | Monday Mar. 7, 1 - 3 p.m.  Register for this event