Including Science Communication in Proposals

How can we assist?

IARC has a diverse science communications team available to help researchers tell their story and ensure that science messaging reaches its full potential. Let us help share your science in new ways that connect with people from all backgrounds in all fields. 

When should you bring us in?

The earlier you contact our team, the more likely we can meet your needs, produce high quality content, fit you into our calendars, and avoid delays or outcomes you aren’t happy with. As more people at IARC find value in science communication, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to meet last minute requests. Funded requests are more likely to be met since there are some members of our team who cannot draw from Fund 1.

Writing a proposal? Proposals require inclusion of broader impacts. This is no surprise, so please don't wait till the last minute to consider them. Bring in science communicators, community liaisons, and educators right away. Including us in your proposal team ensures that the communications and outreach goals of your proposal are relevant to your audience, woven into the framework of your proposed research, cutting-edge, and feasible. 

REMINDER: Please don't add funds for a science communicator without talking to us first! Make sure we are available, the budget is appropriate, and you get the most out of your science communication.  

How we can help with your proposal

When you start writing a proposal, let us know. A 10-minute chat can start you in the right direction and get you on our calendars.

We can help:

• Broader impacts- We can help identify and support actions to meet the broader impacts requirements of your proposal.

• See connections- As co-production with rural communities becomes a priority in Arctic research, we can help coordinate calls, make sure the right people are at the table, and act as a sounding board.

• Figures/illustrations- Well designed figures and graphics can make the difference between a good proposal and a great one.

• Editing- Nate Bauer with the Alaska Press is available for proposal editing.

How we can help with scientific publications

We can help design content for your publication and promote it once published.

• Figures/illustrations- Well designed figures and graphics can make the difference between a good paper and a great one.

• Press releases- If you are an author on a scientific paper that meets “newsworthy” criteria, let our team know so that we can prepare a press release. Notify us as soon as your paper is accepted. It takes 1–2 weeks to write, review, and send releases through the approval process. Lead time is always appreciated!

• Social media promotion- We can feature any publication on Twitter. Let us know when you publish, and provide us with a one-sentence description of the key finding. Quality photos, graphics and videos are always encouraged.

• Plain language summary/infographic- If you plan to report your findings back to a community or other public group, you may want to develop a plain-language summary or an infographic version of your paper. These alternatives can help frame the paper in language and formats that connect better with general audiences. Funding is encouraged for this kind of request.

• Video- A two-minute video explaining your findings is another way to share your publication with a more general audience (although not usually a rural audience). This can be shared via social media.

Options for consistent communication about your research

Want a platform to share regular updates about your research and continually connect with your audience? Consider one of these options.

• Websites- Learn about your website or webpage options.

• Newsletters- Quarterly to annual newsletters can be a great way to connect with your audience. This format is particularly useful in Internet-limited rural Alaska where newsletters can be mailed to all box holders at relatively low cost. Newsletters are created over a time period of 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on their complexity and review process. Advance notice and funding are required. Contact the IARC Communications Lead for more information.

• Social media pages- To connect with your audience regularly and informally, social media is your best option. IARC communications can advise you on your social media options and strategy, but regular posting is your responsibility. 

  1. • Consider a Facebook page or group for rural Alaska efforts. 

     • Twitter is a fantastic option to connect with members of the media and other academics.

     • If you have compelling photos, Instagram is a great way to connect with younger audiences. 

     • Going into the field or on a cool conference trip? Propose a "takeover" of IARC social media channels. 

Learn more about these platforms. 

Note: Creating project-specific social media pages is discouraged unless it is 1) a long-term project AND 2) you plan on posting at least once a week. If you do not have time to post regularly on your own, your content can be shared on the IARC social media pages. A project-specific hashtag can help connect project posts.