Join The Conversation

The expert views and opinions of leading University academics have attracted 1.5m readers worldwide since the launch of an innovative website designed to bridge the gap between journalists and academics.   

Launched in May 2013, The Conversation is a joint collaboration between professional journalists and academics from across the UK’s leading universities.

The website provides informed news analysis and commentary that’s free to read and republish. Academics from across the University have published over 300 articles attracting 1.5m readers.  

One of the University’s most frequent contributors is Dr John Jewell from the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural studies.

“I am a regular contributor to The Conversation, the journalistic website featuring content provided by academics, in all disciplines, from national and international backgrounds," said Dr Jewell.

"My experiences have been entirely positive. I have been able to write short, newspaper style articles on a variety of media related subjects, a few of which have been picked up by outlets such as the Huffington Post and Business Insider," he added.

The site is open and free for everyone to read. It is both a media resource, allowing republishing of all articles, and a source of story ideas and new voices to follow up for interview.

From in-depth analysis of the VW emissions scandal, debunking allegations of BBC bias to money laundering in world football, University academics have provided their expertise and in-depth knowledge.

Dr Jewell sees contributing to The Conversation as an important resource available to the academic community.

Dr Jewell adds: “Academic work is freed from the confines of the journal or the report. Articles in The Conversation are written to be read by the general public as well as by academics. 

“Crucially, that doesn't mean quality or rigour is sacrificed. The regular 'hard evidence' section showcases the most recent empirical research and analysis.

"And the readership is out there. My colleague Mike Berry's article on bias at the BBC has attracted, so far, nearly 150,000 visits and a reprint in the New Statesman.

"In my view The Conversation adds considerably to the academic environment. It showcases research, increases visibility of work outside conventional audiences and places Cardiff at the forefront of a global development which sees Universities diversifying their outputs.

"Its worth may prove extremely valuable in years to come."

All articles written by Cardiff University academics are available to read at: http://theconversation.com/institutions/cardiff-university

More information on writing for The Conversation is available at: https://theconversation.com/become-an-author