Are you an ASU faculty member with expertise that pertains to current events? Are you interested in building public trust in science through science communications? Did you know about ASU’s partnership with The Conversation?
The Conversation is “explainer journalism” written by academic experts in collaboration with talented news editors. Through a Creative Commons license, The Conversation distributes its articles – at no charge – to news organizations across the geographic and ideological spectrum. In 2025, ASU-authored articles were read more than 2.4 million times, with all-time engagement through 2025 surpassing 21.3 million reads.
How Does It Work?
- You pitch: You’ll provide a very brief summary of your idea, its significance/relevance to current events, and the unique angle you’re taking.
- Suzanne negotiates: Suzanne is ASU’s liaison to The Conversation. She will contact the editor with your pitch and will let you know if your pitch is selected.
- You write: If the editor selects your pitch, you will work with an editor to craft a short piece for a lay audience.
- We celebrate! 🎉
Now, The Conversation isn’t looking for people to write about every new publication you put out. What they want is something that is relevant to current events, offers a unique perspective, and makes readers think. They also prefer you submit a few bullet points, rather than a fully formed op-ed, so they can help you shape the narrative for the best likelihood of syndication.
Still not sure?
A Special Invitation from The Conversation
Higher education is flying straight into headwinds: deepening polarization, rising costs and growing skepticism from the very public that universities are meant to serve. But research shows that despite the turbulence, the public still believes in the core educational mission of universities, although that trust is uneven.
Join a webinar led by The Conversation’s Executive Editor Beth Daley to explore where the cracks in confidence lie and what universities can do to regain the public’s trust. Panelists include E. Gordon Gee, Stephen M. Gavazzi, and ASU Presidential Advisor David Rosowsky.
- What: How Higher Ed can rebuild trust with the public
- When: Wednesday, April 22, 12 p.m. Arizona time
- Where: Zoom. Please sign up here
This event is on Earth Day, and Global Futures Laboratory is hosting its own activities that day. I encourage you to register for the webinar as we wait to find out whether The Conversation will share a recording with event registrants. Please email Michelle Schwartz with any questions.
