The Conversation

What is The Conversation?

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is part of The Conversation, a nonprofit online news outlet that offers daily news analysis and commentary. Articles are created collaboratively by academic scholars and editors, covering various topics from hard sciences to art and history. View articles written by UIC faculty.

Who are the readers?

The Conversation’s Creative Commons license allows its articles to be republished in over 1,000 online and more than 300 print outlets, including AP Wire, CNN, and Business Insider, reaching a vast national and international audience.

Who can write for The Conversation?

Lead authors must be current faculty or researchers at UIC, including adjunct and honorary roles. Co-authored pieces are also allowed, prioritizing expertise and relevant research for the best fit.

Why write for The Conversation?

Working with The Conversation is more than just writing an article; it opens opportunities for scholars to become influential voices in their fields, guiding the public with fact-based knowledge that helps to inform decisions. According to The Conversation U.S. Author Survey 2023 (710 responses), 86% of scholars reported some post-article impact on their careers.

• 57% received an interview on radio, TV, podcast, print, and more
• 36% received opportunities for academic collaboration
• 24% saw increased citations for scholarly articles
• 16% reported influencing policymakers
• Wide examples of impact – from stories used in congressional offices and articles featured in local library newsletters

What we’re looking for:

Articles should be jargon-free and fact-based. Story ideas should be grounded in research, with considerations for:

• General audience interest
• Timeliness
• Author expertise
• Coverage in 1,000 words or fewer

What faculty are saying:

“I have written pieces about my own peer-reviewed research and about research articles from colleagues that deserve broader discussion and commentary because of their impact on the public. One of the key benefits for a researcher to write for The Conversation is that we collaborate with journalists who act as editors to help us convey the key points without jargon.  The Conversation is also an excellent forum to expose trainees to the art of writing for a non-specialist audience because The Conversation articles can be co-authored by students and faculty.”

Jalees Rehman, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

“I recently authored an article for The Conversation, which proved to be an enriching experience in engaging broader audiences on pressing issues. It is often challenging to find the time or the appropriate platform to craft concise pieces that effectively communicate our research to the public. The publication process at The Conversation was both efficient and not overly time-consuming. Overall, it was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to address immigrant labor rights in conversations with journalists who reached out to learn more about my work after reading the article.”

Xóchitl Bada, Latin American and Latino Studies