Communicating Research

 

Research Communication Series, Level 1 (RCS L1) 

PhD Plus relaunched this introductory series in Spring 2023 and is excited to make it a regular offering for graduate students and postdocs. The four-part Research Communication (Level 1) workshop series exposes graduate students and postdocs to the fundamentals of communicating their research to a range of audiences. Participants learn how to craft engaging and clear messages for a variety of audiences, practice presenting their research through different mediums, and learn about tools they can use to clarify their messages. 

Spring 2024 Topics

For descriptions of each session, please visit the event pages below: 

  • Audience Awareness | Feb. 6
  • Purpose and Medium | Feb. 13
  • Writing in Plain Language | Feb. 20
  • Storytelling | Feb. 27

Earn a PhD Plus Credential:

Upon successful completion (75%, or 3 sessions) of this series, graduate students are eligible for a non-credit credential (PhDP 9300) on their academic transcript (at no cost to students). Graduate students can complete the module over multiple semesters.

REGISTER HERE

 

Grad Thesis Slam

This exciting competition, modified from the 3 Minute Thesis model, takes place every April. PhD Plus hosts preparatory workshops leading up to the competition to help students craft and practice effective 3-minute presentations of their research for general audiences. We are currently planning the 2024 prep series and competition dates, so stay tuned for more information and, in the meantime, find more details about the competition here

 

Writing Op-Eds: Translating Your Research to a Broad Audience 

This series is not currently scheduled, but may be offered again in 2024.

Interested in converting your academic writing and research to make it more accessible for broad audiences? Our popular PhD Plus Writing Op-Eds series helps you learn how to do just that! Over the course of 5 weeks (on Zoom), you’ll learn strategies and mechanics of writing op-eds (opinion-editorials) and how they differ from academic writing.

**NEW** This year we’re adding a panel discussion in the 3rd week featuring academics who frequently write public-facing work. Learn what motivates them to write for the public, and the realities (good and bad) of doing this kind of work.

For descriptions of each session, see below: 

  1. Th, Aug. 3, 3:00-4:30 - Overview of Op-Eds, Dos & Don'ts of public writing
  2. Th, Aug. 10, 3:00-4:30 - How to Build an Op-Ed
  3. W, Aug 16, 3:30-5:00 - Panel discussion 
  4. Th, Aug. 24, 3:00-4:30 - Honing your Op-Ed Ideas
  5. Th, Aug. 31, 3:00-4:30 - Workshopping Your Op-Ed Pitch

Earn a PhD Plus Credential:

By completing this workshop series, you can earn a non-credit “Research Communication: Public Writing” credential that will appear on your transcript. To “complete” the workshop and be eligible for a credential, you must:

  1. Attend at least 3 of the first 4 sessions AND
  2. Submit an op-ed pitch for feedback in the 5th session OR work with Kelly Oman, PhD Plus Assistant Director of Research Communication, to get feedback on your op-ed pitch and prepare to send it to editors (within 1 year of completing the workshop)

 

"Made by History" Editorial Workshop - J-Term 2024

The application deadline for 2024 has passed, but watch for the call for applications for J term 2025 to be announced in October 2024.

PhD Plus, GAGE (Governing America in a Global Era), and the Jefferson Scholars Foundation National Fellowship Program host this editorial workshop designed and taught by the editors of TIME's “Made by History” column (previously published in the Washington Post). Over the course of ten days in January, students engage in a virtual “boot camp” that combines online training sessions on Zoom, short editing assignments and one-on-one mentoring.

Participant discuss the nuts and bolts of analytic historical essays — including the basic structure of op-eds and the art of crafting clear and effective arguments and analysis. You also learn how the editorial process works, from the initial pitch to the final copyedits to the promotion of pieces once they are published. Many participants have had their op-eds published in the Made by History column. See our panel discussion featuring former participants on YouTube.

The Call for Applications is released every October. The workshop is open to PhD students whose work is shaped by historical perspectives. Successful applicants are paid a stipend of $750. 

Questions? Contact Kelly Oman, Assistant Director of Research Communication

 

Special Topics

In addition to the series above, we offer one-day workshops on various topics throughout the year. Below is a list of individual workshops we've held in the past on topics related to communicating research, open to all UVA graduate students and postdocs. Keep an eye on the PhD Plus event calendar for future events!

  • Using Analogies to Explain Complex Ideas
  • Handling Q&A
  • Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
  • Made to Stick: Evaluating your Message
  • International Perspectives on Research Communication 
  • Using Social Media to Communicate your Research 
  • Communicating with Policymakers 
  • The Gift of Listening
  • Speak Easy 
  • Careers in Science Communication

 

 

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Research

 

Here you can learn about careers that involve communicating research to broad audience

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Community

 

Here you can connect with peers and alums involved in research communication work

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Learning Goals

 

Different levels of Skills series are offered every Fall & Spring semesters. Click here for details.

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Experience

 

Practice your research communication skills. Click here for details on competitions, projects and internships.