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
Resources
The Conversation Author’s Handbook: A complete guide to working with The Conversation, including pitching tips, writing guidelines and more.
Pitching as a communicator: A guide for department or unit communicators to help faculty craft a winning pitch for The Conversation.
Contact uictoday@uic.edu to learn more about The Conversation.
About the Conversation
Recent articles
September 27, 2024
Police stop more Black drivers, while speed cameras issue unbiased tickets − new study from Chicago
Wenfei Xu, Cornell University; David Levinson, University of Sydney; Michael J Smart, Rutgers University, and Nebiyou Yonas Tilahun, University of Illinois Chicago
August 13, 2024
JD Vance is no pauper − he’s a classic example of ‘poornography,’ in which the rich try to speak on behalf of the poor
Lennard J. Davis, University of Illinois Chicago
July 29, 2024
Buddha’s lessons on impermanence are carved into monuments and buildings – this course explores why
Mitch Hendrickson, University of Illinois Chicago
May 22, 2024
Doctors engage the public by bringing a human side to social media
Alice Fleerackers, University of British Columbia and Lauren A Maggio, University of Illinois Chicago
April 25, 2024
The US is one of the least trade-oriented countries in the world – despite laying the groundwork for today’s globalized system
Peter A. Coclanis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Leon Fink, University of Illinois Chicago