Promoting science at Children’s National
Scientists reshape our understanding of medicine every day. Some experts estimate that more than 2 million academic papers are published each year. In such a crowded landscape, the Children’s National Hospital communications team wants to help ensure your research gets the attention it deserves. This will help you as you build your reputation in your field and help the organization as we pull the curtain back on the extraordinary breakthroughs that happen here.
Building a communications strategy takes time and planning, and we want to help you find the best venues to share your successes. This may include newspapers, magazines, radio, trade publications, national or local television, podcasts, social media and our Innovation District website.
As you move through the research process, the communications team is an email away – [email protected] – to answer any questions.
When to reach out
- Publications of significance. Alert the communications team as soon as your research is accepted to a journal. We adhere to all embargo guidelines and often work with the journal directly. Coming to us prior to publication allows us to review the work and develop the appropriate communications strategy to roll out as soon as the paper publishes. If your paper is selected for a media push, timeliness is vital in securing interest.
- Grants of significance. Generally, this means grants of more than $1 million from a federal agency. However, we always weigh newsworthiness. For example, if a grant targets an underfunded area of research or spotlights a unique partnership, we want to know.
- Interesting milestones. We often talk about science at the beginning (when a grant is won) or at the end (when a manuscript is published), but there may be moments along the way that merit sharing with a wider audience. We are available to talk at any stage of the process.
How we weigh what to promote
- Newsworthiness: Topics with consumer appeal or a natural audience in specialized media are more likely to be spotlighted.
- Impact: Papers that move a field forward, rather than validate the scientific record, are always of more interest.
- Media is more likely to cover clinical studies than editorials, literature reviews or technical comments. However, we will always weigh the newsworthiness and look for ways to spotlight your work.
- The first or corresponding author should be from Children’s National.
When your research is selected for a media push
- The communications team will reach out to the journal to verify embargo terms.
- We will ask you to be available for interviews when the paper is published.
- A member of the communications team will be present for all interviews. This is to help with any follow-up questions and ensure your words are accurately represented. If a news organization contacts you directly, please reach out to us right away.
- We will help you prepare to the extent you would like media coaching.
The communications team is here to support you and the hospital’s mission to help kids grow up stronger. Please come to us directly for advice.
Channels
- EurekAlert
- Innovation District
- Press releases
- Media pitching
