Writing for
the Public
Op-eds and The Conversation Canada
Your research can reach well beyond academic journals. Op-eds and articles for The Conversation Canada are two effective ways to bring your expertise into public conversations — shaping how issues are understood by general audiences, journalists, and policy makers.
The Media Relations team can support you through both.
Op-ed writing
Op-eds give you a direct line to public debate. A well-crafted piece grounded in your research can be picked up by newspapers, magazines, and digital outlets — and can contribute meaningfully to how an issue is covered and discussed.
- A single, clear argument — not a summary of your research
- Evidence drawn from your work, presented accessibly
- A connection to something timely and relevant to readers
- A concrete takeaway or call to action at the end
The Media Relations team offers guidance and writing workshops for faculty who want to develop their op-ed voice. To get started or talk through an idea, contact your Communications Advisor.
The Conversation Canada
The Conversation Canada is an open-access news platform exclusively for academics. Articles are written by researchers, edited by journalists, and freely available for republication in media outlets across Canada and around the world.
Read what Concordians have published here: Concordia University on The Conversation
It's a practical way to reach a broad public audience with your research — clearly, credibly, and under your name.
What makes a strong pitch:
- Connect your research to a current event, policy debate, or public concern
- Write for a general audience, not a specialist one
- Focus on what your findings mean, not just what they show
- Consider "explainer" pieces that demystify complex topics for readers without a background in your field
Have a great idea for an article?
The Media Relations team offers guidance and writing workshops for faculty who want to develop their op-ed voice. To get started or talk through an idea, contact your Communications Advisor.
Get Support
Whether you have a fully formed idea or are just starting to think about writing for a public audience, your Communications Advisor is the right first contact. They can help you identify the right format, refine your pitch, and connect you with the resources and training available through the Media Relations team.
Contact your Communications Advisor or reach the Media Relations team directly at media.relations@concordia.ca.
