January 15, 2019

Training sessions set for 'The Conversation' authors

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This image illustrated an article by University of Nebraska-Lincoln political scientist Alice Kang, published by The Conversation

Eric Zack, director of university relations for The Conversation, will visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Jan. 22-23 to assist Nebraska scholars interested in writing for the academically oriented news outlet.

Described as combining “academic rigor with journalism excellence,” the outlet gives scholarly experts a platform for informed commentary and news analysis on newsworthy topics. Professional journalists and subject-matter experts help writers hone messages and prepare pieces for popular media. The finished articles are distributed via The Associated Press and other media outlets to thousands of newsrooms across the United States.

The Conversation also provides a research and expert database that aids journalists across the nation in finding subject-matter experts for their reporting. The aim is to inform public discourse on a range of topics: arts and culture, economy and business, education, environment and energy, ethics and religion, health and medicine, politics and society and science and technology.

The University recently joined a partnership with The Conversation. Universitywide participation has potential to elevate individual scholars’ reputations, as well as enhance Nebraska’s institutional reputation. Hundreds of thousands of readers have seen pieces written by Nebraska faculty who have already participated, including space law professor Frans von der Dunk, who wrote a piece on who owns the moon, and sociologists Emily Kazyak and Kelsy Burke, who wrote about the shared values of those who support and oppose religious freedom laws.

University Communication and the Office of Research and Economic Development are hosting the information sessions for potential UNL authors, with support from the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer. Registration is encouraged.

The schedule is as follows. Faculty may choose the session and location that best fits their schedule.

Jan. 22 - 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Open session for potential authors, Lied Commons. - 12:10 to 1 p.m. — Small group session, College of Law. - 2:30 to 3 p.m. — Deans’ Council session, Nebraska Union, Georgian Suite. - 3:30 to 5 p.m. — Small group session, College of Business, Hawks Hall, Room 204.

Jan. 23 - 9 to 10:30 a.m. — Open session for potential authors, Nebraska East Union, Columbine Room. - 11 a.m. to noon — Small group session, College of Engineering, Othmer Hall, Room 114, and Peter Kiewit Institute, Room 100 (via web conference). - Noon to 1 p.m. — Brown bag luncheon for college communications staff, Lied Commons.

For more information, contact Leslie Reed, director of public affairs, 402-472-2059, or lreed5@unl.edu.