Posted on July 08, 2021
The Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA) at the University of Pretoria (UP) is the custodian of the University’s public image and reputation.
It is the DIA’s responsibility to ensure that the University is visible in the media, in line with the institution’s strategic imperatives of internationalisation and producing research that is impactful and relevant to society. A case in point is Professor Lyne-Marie Birkholtz’s major breakthrough in malaria research earlier this year, which has implications for the treatment of this disease. This made international news.
When academics are visible in the media, they build their personal brands and that of UP; attract research funding, bursaries for students as well as research partners and top postgraduate students. Apart from the possibility of attracting venture capitalists and overseas collaborators, they dispel the notion that universities are ivory towers, far removed from society.
To encourage more academics to be visible in the media, we are holding the following workshops:
|
Name |
Description |
Facilitators |
|
What is news/science communications? |
This workshop will outline what makes news in the media and take academics through the process of writing media releases. It will look at the basics of science communications. |
Shakira Hoosain and Primarashni Gower |
|
Handling media interviews |
This workshop will provide a background of the media landscape, what journalists want and how to handle interviews. |
Thembi Tlale, Liesel Swart and Primarashni Gower |
|
Social media |
This workshop will look at the power of social media and how different platforms can be used to communicate research findings to the public. |
Sieraaj Ahmed and Thembi Tlale |
|
Writing for The Conversation |
This online publication is a platform for PhD students and academics to share their research findings as opinion pieces. A representative of this publication will take participants through the writing process. |
Thembi Tlale and representative from The Conversation |
To participate in these workshops, please email to [email protected]
For more information, email Primarashni Gower at [email protected]
Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App