Resources

A Letter to the Editor (LTE) can be an impactful way for academics to publicly express their research-based opinion on an important issue.

Opinion pieces are a good tool for building connections with the media, in addition to getting your research into the hands of policymakers and civic leaders.

An effective OpEd pitch can capture the attention of opinion editors, leading to OpEd publication and creating pathways to influence policymakers and forging valuable professional contacts.

Reporters rely on researchers to explain complex issues, and they may contact a researcher for comments on breaking news or for background research on a story.

Podcasts are an increasingly popular medium that offers a new way of connecting with an audience.

Interviews for TV or radio can be nerve-wracking, and even experienced interviewees get nervous - but with a bit of practice, you can have a great interview.

Public comments can bring research and expertise to bear on legislative decision making, proposed rule changes, and other important policy discussions.

Talking points are short, jargon-free nuggets of information that civic leaders can use when speaking on an issue.

Participating in legislative testimony during committee hearings enables researchers to share their subject matter expertise and have a meaningful impact on the legislative process.

One-off contacts can be helpful, but the most fruitful legislative contacts are those that are part of a long-term relationship.

Once you make contact and secure a meeting with a policymaker, it’s important to prepare for that first meeting.

Research is most likely to be used in policymaking when it answers a specific question.