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Be part of The Conversation
The Conversation is one of the top 20 most linked-to news websites worldwide, particularly by governments and policy makers. It’s a completely independent platform providing news analysis and informed comment written by academic experts, working with professional journalists, to help share our knowledge with the world.
Leeds Beckett University has been a member of The Conversation since 2011. We have published over 250 articles by more than 100 authors in this time, with more than 8 million total reads.
Our membership helps us to raise the international profile of LBU research and widen the influence of our researchers. Their team of editors work with researchers, including PhD students, to bring expert insights to current affairs, explain new research findings or shine a light on topics that deserve greater discussion.
Editors ensure that knowledge is shared in a way that is accessible to non-specialists, and experts always see and approve the final version of articles before they’re shared. Articles are then often republished by international outlets – with no editing permitted, so that everything is reproduced exactly as experts have approved it.
Hear from our LBU Conversation writers
Dr Steve Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Psychology
Dr Steve Taylor has published 39 articles on The Conversation so far – you can read them here.
Speaking about how he got started, Steve said: “One of the editors contacted me in 2019 after seeing a public lecture I delivered about my research on time perception. I saw it as a great opportunity to share my work with a wider audience – to date, that first article has been read by over half a million people. I now write four or five articles a year, and they’re widely translated and shared by The Conversation’s branches worldwide and by other media outlets.”
Sharing his experience and advice, Steve said: “I have done many radio and newspaper interviews linked to my Conversation articles, and I'm sure that my book sales have benefited from the articles as well as providing a great opportunity to interact with readers of your articles in the comments.
“The Conversation has a simple method of pitching article ideas via their website, and it’s a lot easier to place articles with them than other outlets. At this point I generally pitch directly to editors I have worked with before. One important fact to consider is that articles should relate to topical news events that link to your research in some way. So be alert to the news cycle, and pitch – and write – articles promptly.
“I would highly recommend writing for The Conversation. I now view my articles as an important part of my work, which gives me strong sense that as a researcher I am sharing my work with a popular audience and so having an impact beyond the academic world. For our university in general, it’s also a good promotional avenue, a way of increasing our profile and engaging with the public.”
One of Dr Steve Taylor's most recent articles, available at theconversation.com/how-the-hypnagogic-state-of-drowsiness-could-enhance-your-creativity-269724
Dr Beverley O’Hara, Lecturer in Public Health Nutrition
Dr Beverley O'Hara began writing for The Conversation in October last year, and has now published 4 articles.
Speaking about her experience, Beverley said: “I’ve just submitted my fifth article – Why it’s time to stop talking about ‘ultra processed’ food – to The Conversation. I submitted this piece for the same reason I pitched my first article almost six months ago – I have published a piece of research that I feel passionately about, and I want to share it beyond academia.
“If you want your work to reach a wide readership, The Conversation is the way to go. It’s quite funny to see how online content creators and editors 'recycle’ content from The Conversation. I have been told about quotes from me popping up on various news sites – some well-known and some less well-known! I’ve also been contacted by journalists and podcasters who have read my articles, which has provided nice opportunities to talk about the work.
“The editors I’ve worked with have all been helpful. Some will make few changes to your copy, and some will rewrite sections entirely, so it’s probably a good idea to be flexible about this. If you’re responsive and can work to a tight deadline, writing for The Conversation is good fun."
One of Dr Beverley O'Hara's most recent articles, available at theconversation.com/theres-a-huge-loophole-in-the-new-uk-ban-on-daytime-junk-food-ads-272410
Dr Olayinka Ajala, Reader in Politics and International Relations
Dr Olayinka Ajala has written 45 articles for The Conversation since 2018.
Reflecting on the impact of engaging with The Conversation, Olayinka said: “I have found the platform extremely valuable. While my first article took longer to publish, requiring a formal pitch submission and editorial approval, subsequent pieces have been processed much more quickly. After several publications, I was able to pitch directly to editors by email, which significantly streamlined the process. More recently, editors have contacted me directly to contribute commentary on new developments within my research area.
“My first piece was motivated by an important issue that had received little critical attention. Publishing with The Conversation enabled me to reach a wide audience far more quickly than through academic journals. I’ve since used the platform to share accessible versions of my journal articles.
“Since 2018, my articles have reached over 700,000 readers worldwide, generated more than 50 media interviews with top media platforms such as the BBC, CNN, Sky news, ABC (Australia) and CBC (Canada), and supported international speaking engagements and research collaborations. The platform offers an easy, quick and impactful way to share research outputs and I recommend it to other researchers at LBU.
One of Dr Olayinka Ajala's most recent articles, available at theconversation.com/us-air-strikes-in-northern-nigeria-possible-windfalls-as-well-as-dangers-272630
Get started with writing for The Conversation
If you have an idea for an article or would like support to get started, please contact the LBU Communications team.
You can access a suite of training materials on The Conversation’s website:
Dr Beverley O'Hara
Beverley is a lecturer in Public Health Nutrition and her research interests are centred around diet quality (including 'ultra processed' food) and weight-related health.
Dr Steve Taylor
Dr. Steve Taylor teaches on the Social Psychology BA and Interdisciplinary Psychology MA. His interests include Consciousness Studies, Spirituality, Positive Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. He is the author of many best-selling books on psychology and spirituality.
Dr Olayinka Ajala
Dr Olayinka Ajala is an internationally recognised researcher working on exploring the dynamics of violent conflicts and climate change in West Africa and the Sahel. His areas of interests include insurgencies, terrorism, resource conflicts and internal displacement in the region.
