Resources

Public Engagement and Advocacy

Resources for communicating the impact of research and the importance of funding it for future generations.

The Biological Sciences Division, Pritzker School of Medicine, and UChicago Medicine have a shared mission to pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges in science and medicine. While we do our best to share these stories of innovation and breakthroughs, our faculty, trainees, and research staff can be their own best advocates. Below are some resources to help communicate with others about the impact of your research, its relevance to health care, technology, and the economy, and the importance of funding this work for future generations.

The BSD communications team helps spread the word about news and research across the Biological Sciences Division, Pritzker School of Medicine, and the University of Chicago Medicine health system. They produce a variety of content and provide guidance on communications strategies, including:

  • News stories and press releases
  • Internal announcements and newsletters
  • Website content
  • Event listings
  • Media relations

Many UChicago faculty write books that reach beyond academic audiences and engage the general public. This initiative aims to connect faculty authors with peers and mentors to facilitate the writing process. If you’re considering or currently working on writing a book for a general audience based on your scholarly work, you can sign up to engage with fellow authors.

The UChicago Academic Communicators Network is offering individualized support for University of Chicago faculty interested in writing op-eds based on their research. If you have a draft or topic in mind, sign up for a 1:1 consultation with a communications expert. 

The University of Chicago Research Dissemination and Communications Program (UChicago RDCP) supports principal investigators (PIs) in developing Broader Impacts dissemination and communication strategies for their research. Offered in partnership with the Office of Research, University Communications, and UChicago Creative, program staff with deep experience in academic communications will partner with you during both the proposal development and award phases of research projects of all sizes to increase the impact of your research.

Tips for delivering clear, impactful presentations from Scott Ummel, Senior Associate Director of Outreach and Volunteer Engagement for UChicago Medicine and Biological Sciences Development.

Just as the University is committed to advancing human knowledge for the benefit of society, UChicago Creative is dedicated to telling that story in a compelling way. They do this by leveraging tools like design, writing, and video—in big ways and in small. Their projects range from logos, design consultation, and editorial assistance to content series, videos, websites, and integrated campaigns.

Developed in partnership between the Office of the Provost and University Communications, the Academic Communicators Network (ACN) helps University faculty enhance their capacity to communicate effectively with external audiences. Programming consists of regular workshops, trainings, and presentations that provide useful insights into communications and media.

The courses in the Science Communication and Public Discourse (SCPD) minor introduce UChicago undergraduate students to the theory and practice of rhetorical methodologies and behavioral science of communication. Students will learn to build their work on sound scientific evidence and knowledge, to adjust messaging to their intended audience, to use clear and compelling language free of jargon, and to employ effective storytelling techniques and vivid examples.

The goal of the myCHOICE program is to expose, educate, and provide University of Chicago trainees with career options and experiences that leverage their strong research training, including opportunities in science communications, education and outreach, and law, policy, and regulatory affairs.

The Certificate in Science Communication Program from UChicago and the Institute for Translational Medicine is designed for current UChicago students who want to learn how to communicate complex science and medicine so effectively that it opens doors to opportunities, collaborations, and leadership roles.

The Certificate in Science Communication & Storytelling for non-UChicago students is designed for those looking to enhance their skills and advance their career. (Launches in Fall 2025)

Resources from supporting organizations on advocating for science, discovery, and innovation to your local, state, and federal government representatives.

This Communication Toolkit from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) provides guidance for scientists to build skills to more effectively communicate and engage with public audiences, including ways to apply the fundamentals of communication to scientific topics. Topics include:

Communicating Science: Giving Talks is the first in a series of career development guides published by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

Communicating Science provides advice from scientific speakers, tips on putting together talks, insights into how to use technology to your benefit, horror stories about speeches gone wrong, and pointers to inexpensive, approachable resources available in most communities to polish speaking skills and gain confidence.

Resources from the Coalition for the Life Sciences about facilities & administration (or indirect) costs:

Books

Commentary