The African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria (ACSUS-UP) invites you to a seminar titled:
Analytical Writing for Effective Public Engagement: Perspectives from the United States

Presented by Dr. Laura E. Seay, Assistant Professor of Government, Colby College and Co-Editor for Africa Content, The Monkey Cage.
 

Date: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Time: 11:00 – 12:30
Venue: Merensky Library Auditorium, Hatfield Campus
RSVP: Click here to register or email Ms Zainab Olaitan ([email protected])

Academic research frequently speaks to current events and ongoing issues, from political protests, elections, animal and human rights, artificial intelligence, trade, technological innovation, public health, violent conflict and war to climate change. Yet, the media often ignores academic expertise, and paywalled academic journals are inaccessible to most policy makers and the general public. How can university researchers effectively communicate their findings and ideas to audiences outside the academy? How do we ensure that our research is taken into account in public policy making processes? This seminar highlights several strategies for emerging and established academics who wish to engage with broad audiences of politicians, policy professionals, and the general public. From writing analytical blog posts to developing opinion-editorial pieces and policy papers, we will discuss effective strategies for topic identification, media outlet selection, accessible writing, and pitching to editors. Participants are encouraged to come to the seminar with a topic they would like to write about in mind.