Researchers experiences of going public as experts in the press

Each researcher has encountered unique challenges and opportunities in their communication journey. Let's hear their stories and then discuss how we, as Communications Officers, can best support them in their efforts:

• Katrine Stevnhøj, PhD Fellow, Department for Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (ToRS) at the University of Copenhagen. Katrine Stevnhøj is researching transnational political mobilization and activism in Belarus and Russia. When Russia invaded Ukraine, she became a media expert overnight. Katrine Stevnhøj will share her experience on entering this role and give insight into the challenges, her motivation and what has been an eye-opener in collaborating with journalists.
• Kikki Kleiven is Director at the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research in Bergen. Kikki Kleiven is a dedicated communicator of climate knowledge and is being used as an expert in the field in several national media. Kikki Kleiven will share some of her experiences – as an expert on climate and about the harassment she receives for speaking out about climate change in the media.
• Lotta Wendel is a senior lecturer in medical law at Malmö University. The media often approach Lotta Wendel with questions regarding patients' rights. She also contributes to the cultural pages of the daily newspaper Sydsvenskan, where she mainly writes about human rights in healthcare broadly.

Researcher "A" talks about her experience of becoming a media expert overnight. She will share insights on how they navigated the sudden attention from the press, how they managed to convey complex research concisely, and how they built relationships with journalists. She will discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of being thrust into the spotlight and share strategies for effectively leveraging media exposure to promote research and academic expertise.

Researcher "B" shares experiences of facing rough and harassing reactions while communicating their research on climate change. She will discuss the emotional toll of encountering hostility, online harassment, and misinformation campaigns. They will highlight the importance of maintaining resilience, finding support networks, and engaging in science communication initiatives to counteract misinformation. Researcher B will also discuss strategies for addressing climate change denial and fostering constructive dialogue.

"C" has made herself highly available to the media and regularly contributes articles to a regional newspaper. She will discuss the benefits and challenges of this approach, such as maintaining a consistent writing schedule, adapting complex research for a broader audience, and building relationships with journalists. Researcher C will provide practical tips for effective science writing, including engagingly conveying research findings, using storytelling techniques, and ensuring accuracy while simplifying complex concepts.

After hearing from the researchers, the floor was open to discuss how we, as Communications Officers, can best support these researchers in their efforts. Some potential discussion points could include the following:

1. Training and Media Preparedness: How can we provide researchers with media training and support to help them effectively communicate their expertise and handle unexpected media attention?
2. Protecting Researchers from Harassment: What measures can be implemented to protect researchers, especially those who face harassment and hostile reactions when discussing controversial topics?
3. Support Networks and Mental Health: How can we create support networks and resources for researchers to cope with the emotional challenges of public engagement, particularly in the face of hostility and misinformation campaigns?
4. Promoting Constructive Dialogue: What strategies can be employed to encourage constructive dialogue and address scepticism or denial of scientific research, particularly in contentious areas like climate change?
5. Science Writing and Outreach: How can we assist researchers in developing practical science writing skills, such as translating complex research for a broader audience and utilizing different media platforms to reach diverse audiences?

By discussing these topics and sharing insights, we can collaborate to enhance our support for researchers and promote effective science communication in the Nordic region.