As a UChicago scholar, you have access to a series of Academic Communicators Network (ACN) sessions. Learn from industry leaders through the following videos and downloadable resources.
“Meet a Journalist” with Axios Global Technology Correspondent Ryan Heath
November 9, 2023
Ryan Heath is the New York-based global technology correspondent for Axios and the editor of the daily Axios AI + newsletter, which examines the ways our world is transformed by tech innovations. In this session, he discussed how faculty can work with reporters to amplify important research and reach key audiences. This session was aimed at faculty who work in the wide range of fields impacted by tech and AI, as well as those who simply want to learn more about working with journalists.
Academic Podcasting
October 26, 2023
In this session Tom Ginsburg, the Leo Spitz Distinguished Service Professor of International Law and co-host of Entitled, and Matthew Hodapp, assistant director of the award-winning University of Chicago Podcast Network (UCPN), gave a firsthand account of launching and maintaining a podcast as a scholar. Their discussion included information on show development, time commitment, necessary resources, goals and metrics, and tips for being a good podcast guest.
Managing Online Harassment: Best Practices for Academics
May 23, 2023
This session provided a high-level overview of the Guide to Managing Online Harassment that was recently created by the Office of the Provost. It included examples of harassment individuals may encounter online, explored potential legal options, shared tips and best practices for communicating online, and discussed resources for managing online situations and their limits.
Building an Academic Web Presence
April 25, 2023
This session provided best practices for faculty interested in optimizing their web presence. Topics included website content development tips for faculty and laboratory websites, building a digital academic portfolio, digital accessibility, and using search engine optimization tools to connect with broader audiences and generate visibility for your research. View the presentation slides here. (downloadable PowerPoint file)
Communicating Simply and Effectively in an AI World
April 18, 2023
Gerd Gigerenzer, Director of the Harding Center for Risk Literacy at the University of Potsdam, discussed how findings from psychological research can help experts communicate simply and effectively about difficult subjects such as medical risks. Gigerenzer also considered the limits of AI for practical communications and culture more broadly.
Top 10 Tips for Delivering Dynamic Presentations
March 29, 2023
In this session, Kristin Boeke-Greven, an award-winning executive speechwriter and presentation coach, discussed 10 best practices, tips, and techniques that strong speakers use to feel comfortable addressing any audience.
Meet a Journalist: The Art and Craft of Op-ed Writing
February 23, 2023
Dante Ramos, a senior editor for The Atlantic’s Ideas section, led a session on the art and craft of op-ed writing. He discussed how to vet ideas, the dos and don’ts of writing and structure, the best way to pitch, and what editors are looking for when considering submissions.
Inclusive Communications for Academics
January 25, 2023
Dr. Lily Jampol (she/her), Head of People Science and Consulting at ReadySet, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting firm, led this session. You can view a related resource guide. (downloadable PDF file)
Impacting Policy Through Effective Communications
November 17, 2022
The session is led by Trudy Vincent and Mark Bayer. Trudy is Senior Associate Vice President for Federal Relations at UChicago; she started her 26-year career in the Senate as a Congressional Science Fellow. Mark Bayer, President of Bayer Strategic Consulting, previously served as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives during a 20-year career as a Congressional staff member.
The Role of Communications: How to Advance Your Scholarship in the Public Sphere
November 14, 2022
This session features Provost Ka Yee C. Lee discussing the importance of communicating about academic research and scholarship. She is joined in conversation by Paul M. Rand, Vice President for Communications, who provides a brief overview of the role of communications resources and related opportunities at the University.
Meet a Science Journalist: Featuring John Timmer with Ars Technica
November 8, 2022
This session features John Timmer, science editor with Ars Technica. Timmer's focus areas include astronomy, quantum and other areas of physics, sustainable technologies, biotech, and more.
Meet a Science Journalist: Featuring Andrea Thompson with Scientific American
October 11, 2022
This session features Andrea Thompson, associate editor with Scientific American magazine, whose focus areas include sustainability, energy, and the environment.
Meet a Science Journalist: Maximizing the Impact of Your Scientific Research through News Coverage (featuring WIRED magazine)
May 26, 2022
This session features Matt Simon, science writer at technology-focused WIRED magazine. He writes about environmental issues, climate change, robotics, and sustainable energy. Simon also authored the book The Wasp that Brainwashed the Caterpillar: Evolution’s Most Unbelievable Solution’s to Life’s Biggest Problems.
Meet a Science Journalist: Maximizing the Impact of Your Scientific Research through News Coverage (featuring The Wall Street Journal)
May 17, 2022
This session features David Freeman, Science Bureau Chief with The Wall Street Journal. Freeman leads a team of science journalists who produce articles and videos covering astronomy/astrophysics and space exploration; geology and environmental science including weather/climate change; and physics and molecular/biomedical engineering.
Meet a Science Journalist: Maximizing the Impact of Your Scientific Research through News Coverage (featuring Science magazine)
May 16, 2022
This session features Jennifer Couzin-Frankel, staff writer with Science magazine. Couzin-Frankel’s focus areas include biomedical research, clinical research, and potential treatments for chronic and severe diseases including cancer, COVID-19, and obesity.
Using Social Media to Advance Your Academic Mission
May 4, 2022
Vineet Arora, MD, MAPP, Herbert T. Abelson Professor of Medicine and Dean for Medicine Education, shares the evolution of her social media presence. The session is co-led by Ben Rissman, Assistant Vice President and Chief Digital Marketing Officer, who shares additional tips and resources related to social media engagement and other digital platforms that can generate visibility for your research.
Engaging Your Audience: Effective Ways to Communicate Complex Research Information
April 19, 2022
Susan Goldin-Meadow, Beardsley Ruml Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Psychology and Committee on Human Development, and Neil H. Shubin, Robert R. Bensley Distinguished Service Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, explain how to translate complex scientific ideas and research findings into accessible communications for the general public and broad scientific audiences
Academic Podcasting
March 8, 2022
Claudia M. Flores, Clinical Professor of Law, Director of the Global Human Rights Clinic, and co-host of "Entitled," and Matthew Hodapp, the University of Chicago’s senior podcast producer, give a firsthand account of launching a podcast as a scholar.
Powerful Presentation Skills: Tips and Tools
February 22, 2022
Kristin Boeke-Greven, an award-winning executive speechwriter and presentation coach, led this session sharing best practices for effectively communicating about your research and scholarship with conviction, confidence, and clarity
Communicating Effectively on Camera
October 26, 2021
Kristin Boeke-Greven, an award-winning executive speechwriter and presentation coach, led this session sharing best practices for communicating virtually.
Op-ed Writing: Making Your Opinion Visible
October 13, 2021
Mike Larabee, Op-ed Editor at the Washington Post, and Mike Albertus, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, shared tips on op-ed writing. You can also view this best practices guide.
(downloadable PDF file)
Using Digital Channels to Advance Your Scholarship
May 6, 2021
UChicago faculty Vineet Arora, Chris Blattman, and Paul Poast shared how their online presence has enabled them to enhance the awareness and impact of their work, connect with other academics, and engage students.
Powerful Presentation Skills: Tips and Tools
March 16, 2021
Kristin Boeke-Greven, an award-winning executive speechwriter and presentation coach, led this session sharing how to effectively communicate about your research and scholarship with conviction, confidence, and clarity. View a best practices handout here. (downloadable PDF file)
Op-ed Writing: Making Your Opinion Visible
March 4, 2021
Brooke Masters, Opinion and Analysis Editor of the Financial Times, led this session outlining how to develop ideas into general audience op-eds.
Perfecting Your Message for Prospective Donors
January 28, 2021
Katie Bailey, Senior Associate Director, Foundation & Corporate Relations, and Scott Ummel, Senior Associate Director, Outreach and Volunteer Engagement, UChicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, led this session on how to develop an effective, brief description of your work (an “elevator pitch”) to help secure funding and impact policy. View the presentation slides here. (downloadable PowerPoint file)
Promoting Your Book Virtually
January 21, 2021
Rachel Cohen, Professor of Practice in the Arts in the Department of English, and Neil Shubin, Robert R. Bensley Distinguished Service Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy in the Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, shared their experiences with virtual book promotion. The session was moderated by Carrie Olivia Adams, Promotions and Marketing Director at UChicago Press. View their best practices slide here. (downloadable PDF file)
Communicating Complex Ideas to Non-experts
November 18, 2020
William Rando and Cheryl R. Richardson from the Chicago Center for Teaching led this session on how to effectively explain difficult concepts to people who are unfamiliar with the subject.
The Role of Communications: How to Advance Your Scholarship in the Public Sphere
September 15, 2020
Paul M. Rand, Vice President for Communications at the University of Chicago, leads this session for new faculty.
Online Presentation Training: Creating and Delivering Persuasive Virtual Presentations
June 16, 2020
Eric Schnure, executive communications professional and former White House speechwriter, shares best practices for preparing and delivering academic presentations in person and virtually for a variety of audiences.
An Introduction to Podcasting
February 27, 2020
Luigi Zingales, the Robert C. McCormack Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance and host of Capitalisn’t, and Matthew Hodapp, the University of Chicago’s podcast producer, gaven introduction to podcasting. View their presentation slides here. (downloadable PDF file)
Media Training for Academics
December 5, 2019
Andy Gilman, President and CEO of CommCore Consulting Group, shared his experience about interacting with media. View his presentation slides here. (downloadable PDF file)
Perfecting Your Message for Prospective Donors
November 7, 2019
Scott Ummel, Senior Associate Director, Outreach and Volunteer Engagement, UChicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, shares these tips and templates for developing your professional elevator pitch. (downloadable document file)
Media Training
March 21, 2019
Staff members from the University of Chicago's Office of Communications lead a session on media training.
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch for Prospective Donors
November 29, 2018
Scott Ummel, a leader in helping faculty at UChicago Medicine and Biological Sciences develop their persuasive speeches, provides insights into the elements of successful elevator pitches.
Media Training for New Academics
November 14, 2018
The University of Chicago's Office of Communications developed these tips for media interviews. (downloadable document file)
Building and Maintaining an Online Presence
May 30, 2018
Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer with Orbit Media Studios, discusses the benefits of increasing the reach of your work and the best ways to do so.
Op-Ed Writing: Making Your Opinion Visible
May 14, 2018
Clay Risen, opinion editor at the New York Times, leads a workshop on preparing your thoughts and opinions for release to a general audience.