Section 10 Communications and outreach

As a team committed to conducting research for real-world impact, science communication plays a large role in the dissemination of our work. To showcase emLab’s impact, we employ a variety of platforms and tactics.

emLab’s main communication channels include:

  • Our website: houses information about programs, projects, data and tools, publications, media coverage, our blog, and about our team
  • Monthly newsletter: highlights team announcements, new work, and spotlights of new and completed projects
  • Social media - Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram – shares information about project success stories, new publications, team profiles, and more

Our communications team works in coordination with project managers and University staff to produce outreach strategies and materials. If you have any communications questions or requests, reach out to Sarah ().

10.1 Social media for researchers

Why should scientists use social media?

Social media can be used for all sorts of purposes, so why should you, as an individual scientist, specifically use social media to talk about your work?

Social media can:

  • Help democratize information, breaking down barriers between academia and the general public, building trust in the scientific community community
  • Generate global awareness about an issue, potentially promoting action and advocacy
  • Allow for real time updates on developing research
  • Connect you with peers and enthusiasts, allowing you to tap into the knowledge of the online community
  • Serve as a platform to promote yourself and your work

Social media channels/platforms/tools

There are lots of social media platforms you could use to promote your work. The key is to pick one (or two) and be consistent!

The two main platforms that emLab uses, and that are more common for individuals to use to share scientific research/information are:

LinkedIn

  • Better for longer form content
    • Ideas: Professional networking, sharing articles, research impact, conference summary
  • Good place to summarize or highlight key findings and link to longer articles/papers
  • Although current suggestions recommend that you aim for 2-3 posts per week, find a consistency that works for you. Maybe for now, that’s every other week or once a week.

Bluesky

  • 300 character limit per post, so best for concise, headline type messages
    • Can do multiple posts (thread) for longer, multi-part content
    • Ideas: behind the scene moments, research milestones, starting discussions
  • Emphasis on dialog rather than just broadcasting (reply!)
  • Aim for 3-5 posts per week

General guidelines and tips

  • Consider your audience - use accessible language, avoid overly technical jargon
    • Think: How would I describe this at a cocktail party? What is my elevator pitch?
  • Be concise, but provide enough context when necessary
  • Use visuals: images, videos, graphs
  • Add links, hashtags, and tag people (and emLab!)
  • Use a “hook”
    • Think: What would make me want to keep reading/clicking?
  • Reply to comments on your posts and engage with others’ content

emLab specific messaging

More resources

Example posts