A half-day workshop taking place on the 16th of May, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. 

Contact person: Alexandrea E. Hatcher|Research Associate, Office of Academic Engagement Drug Policy Alliance; ahatcher@drugpolicy.org

It is increasingly important for academics and researchers to work with media, and there are many good reasons to embrace opportunities to engage with the broader public. Working with media can add important value by influencing public opinion; getting the attention of key decision makers; correcting misinformation; making difficult and complex topics more accessible; attracting support and funding; impacting public policy; fueling constructive debate; and building credibility. All too often, there are popular misconceptions, biases and fears when it comes to the subject of drugs and drug use. We need experts and better data to dispel myths and infuse facts into the conversation.

This half-day workshop is designed to help academics develop strategies and best practices for working with media. Participants will work with a seasoned communications professional with twenty years of experience on campaigns that amplify thought leadership and innovation on challenging social issues. They will get an insider view into the spokesperson skills and methods used by the Drug Policy Alliance, the leading organization in the United States advancing drug policies rooted in science, compassion, health and human rights.

For people those who are new to media, this workshop will provide an understanding of the landscape and where to start. There will be a general primer on different media formats, how to work with them and what can be done to build relationships with journalists. Participants with some background in media will get tips on tailoring and refining their narrative and approach. Even those with more extensive experience will walk away with new tricks and techniques.

The workshop will be limited to 10-15 participants to allow space for in-person practice exercises. In advance of the workshop, each participant should send a video recording of themselves doing a summary or “pitch” of their research of no more than 2 minutes.

Venue: Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 10, 8000 Aarhus C. Building 1323, room 130 - MAP