The Conversation

What is The Conversation?

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is part of The Conversation, a nonprofit online news outlet that offers daily news analysis and commentary. Articles are created collaboratively by academic scholars and editors, covering various topics from hard sciences to art and history. View articles written by UIC faculty. Want to pitch an article? Visit the pitch portal.

Who are the readers?

The Conversation’s Creative Commons license allows its articles to be republished in over 1,000 online and more than 300 print outlets, including AP Wire, CNN, and Business Insider, reaching a vast national and international audience.

Who can write for The Conversation?

Lead authors must be current faculty or researchers at UIC, including adjunct and honorary roles. Co-authored pieces are also allowed, prioritizing expertise and relevant research for the best fit.

Why write for The Conversation?

Working with The Conversation is more than just writing an article; it opens opportunities for scholars to become influential voices in their fields, guiding the public with fact-based knowledge that helps to inform decisions. According to The Conversation U.S. Author Survey 2023 (710 responses), 86% of scholars reported some post-article impact on their careers.

What we’re looking for:

Articles should be jargon-free and fact-based. Story ideas should be grounded in research, with considerations for:

What faculty are saying:

“I have written pieces about my own peer-reviewed research and about research articles from colleagues that deserve broader discussion and commentary because of their impact on the public. One of the key benefits for a researcher to write for The Conversation is that we collaborate with journalists who act as editors to help us convey the key points without jargon.  The Conversation is also an excellent forum to expose trainees to the art of writing for a non-specialist audience because The Conversation articles can be co-authored by students and faculty.”
Jalees Rehman, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

“I recently authored an article for The Conversation, which proved to be an enriching experience in engaging broader audiences on pressing issues. It is often challenging to find the time or the appropriate platform to craft concise pieces that effectively communicate our research to the public. The publication process at The Conversation was both efficient and not overly time-consuming. Overall, it was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to address immigrant labor rights in conversations with journalists who reached out to learn more about my work after reading the article.”
Xóchitl Bada, Latin American and Latino Studies

“It’s more important than ever before that academics speak to audiences beyond the ivory tower and make a compelling case for why research matters for the public. The Conversation is an invaluable outlet for researchers interested in translating academic insights into compelling narratives that speak to broad audiences. The Conversation’s editors take such care in helping authors craft digestible articles, and I definitely want to write for the outlet in the future.”
Michael Pasek, Psychology

“I wanted to get the concept of ‘technology caregiving’ to a broader public audience and share our lab’s research beyond academia. I found the true value of The Conversation is their editorial pipeline. Working with their team was an incredibly smooth process that seamlessly paired my academic rigor with journalistic pacing. That collaboration is directly what led to my piece being syndicated as a major Sunday print feature for The Washington Post. That level of reach—putting our research findings directly into the hands of national policymakers and industry executives—proves exactly why public scholarship is so vital.”
Debaleena Chattopadhyay, Computer Science

“Writing for The Conversation was a great experience. I pitched an idea based on a research project and recent headlines, then worked with an editor who helped shape it into an educational piece for readers unfamiliar with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). We went through two to three quick rounds of edits. The article received over 1,000 reads, and someone from EERE reached out about the findings.
It was a rewarding way to share research with a broader audience.”
Christelle Khalaf, Government Finance Research Center 

“These days many people wonder about the value of their public universities. We may produce important knowledge, but the public can’t see that. The Conversation allowed me to publish a version of my work that was read by tens of thousands of people outside our community, increasing both the visibility of my research and the possibility of the public valuing our contributions.”
Timothy Shanahan, Curriculum and Instruction

“Writing for The Conversation was a great way to share the knowledge and insights we have in the academic community. With so much misinformation on topics circulating in the media, contributing to The Conversation offers a way for faculty to convey current research and experience on complex topics. Collaborating with their editors to develop concepts and refine the story was a rewarding and insightful experience. I look forward to contributing again when the opportunity arises!”
Dan Salas, Sustainable Landscapes

“This independent news organization was a substantial way to contribute and shape public discourse about some of Hitsville’s hidden history. Also, having the opportunity to collaborate with the skilled team of editors at The Conversation enabled my academic writing to be part of an ongoing scholarly dialogue that was easily accessible. The end result was that my piece resonated with a worldwide audience, allowing me to educate the public while engaging my peers.
Margena A. Christian, Ed.D., English and Professional Writing

Want to share your knowledge and expertise?

Pitch an article

Resources

The Conversation Author’s Handbook: A complete guide to working with The Conversation, including pitching tips, writing guidelines and more.

Pitching as a communicator: A guide for department or unit communicators to help faculty craft a winning pitch for The Conversation.

Contact Guillermo Duarte at gduart3@uic.edu to learn more about The Conversation.

About the Conversation

Recent articles

August 26, 2026
I’m part of the team writing the next bible of psychiatry – for the first time, the DSM will use biology to understand mental disorders
 Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago

July 29, 2026
Cholera still kills thousands each year – in places without clean water, it’s far from history
Katrine L. Wallace, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago

June 24, 2026
The military traded its flu vaccine mandate for ‘medical freedom’ – an outbreak quickly followed
Katrine L. Wallace, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago

May 29, 2026
What’s wrong with how US and Uganda plan to stop Ebola spreading
Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago

May 28, 2026
The joy and pain of Mother’s Day: it’s time we embraced fertility journeys in their multiplicity
Marketing, University of Illinois Chicago; Markeging, ESCP Business School

May 27, 2026
Is rubbing your eyes bad for you? 2 eye specialists explain what’s behind the urge to rub and what to do about it
Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Chicago; Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Chicago

May 19, 2026
Self‑censorship, more stress, tougher recruiting – we asked US researchers how the Trump administration’s science policies have affected them
Public Administration, University of Illinois Chicago;
Center for Science, Technology & Environmental Policy Studies, Arizona State University

May 15, 2026
From medieval plague ships to hantavirus: How outbreaks at sea helped to shape the international public health system
, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago

May 7, 2026
Motown’s Black women songwriters and producers were the invisible architects behind the pop music juggernaut
Margena A. Christian, English, University of Illinois Chicago

April 28, 2026
How the concept of ‘medical freedom’ is reshaping the military’s decades‑long stance on the flu vaccine mandate − and endangering troops’ readiness   Katrine Wallace, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago

April 10, 2026
Doctors can refuse to treat LGBTQ+ patients in several states – these religious exemption laws lead to drops in HIV testing Nathaniel Tran, Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago, , Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago,

March 28, 2026
Trump’s ‘God Squad’ pits energy vs. endangered species, but it’s a false choice – protecting wildlife can be good for business Dan Salas, Energy Resource Center, University of Illinois Chicago

March 20, 2026
Federal judge temporarily blocks RFK Jr.’s vaccine agenda – an epidemiologist answers questions parents may have Katrine Wallace, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois Chicago

March 12, 2026
Constant technology changes throw seniors a curve – and add to caregivers’ load
, Computer Science, University of Illinois Chicago

January 29, 2026
A growing nursing shortage is made worse by nurses’ daily challenges of patients and their families rolling their eyes, yelling and striking Carolyn Dickens, Behavioral Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago

January 6, 2026
Venezuela’s civil-military alliance is being stretched — if it breaks, numerous armed groups may be drawn into messy split
, Latin American Studies, Sociology and Criminology, University of Florida
, Latin American and Latino Studies, University of Illinois Chicago

December 18, 2025
‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’ – US researchers reflect on how 2025’s science cuts have changed their lives
, Carnegie Mellon University
, Philosophy and Environmental Studies and Sciences, Gonzaga University
, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University
, Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago
, Professor of Neurological Surgery, UMass Chan Medical School
, Sociology and Co-Director of the Center for Gender in Global Context, Michigan State University

December 3, 2025
FDA claims on COVID-19 vaccine safety are unsupported by reliable data – and could severely hinder vaccine access
, Pediatric Cardiology, University of Illinois Chicago

November 12, 2025
Por que as pessoas têm dentes de leite e dentes permanentes?
, Orthodontics and of Anthropology, University of Illinois Chicago; , Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago

November 10, 2025
Why do people have baby teeth and adult teeth?
,Orthodontics and Anthropology, University of Illinois Chicago; , Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago

October 28, 2025
Children learn to read with books that are just right for them – but that might not be the best approach
Timothy E Shanahan, Education, University of Illinois Chicago

October 27, 2025
The Trump administration’s anti-immigrant housing policy reflects a long history of xenophobia in public housing
Rahim Kurwa, Sociology, University of Illinois Chicago

October 21, 2025
King, pope, Jedi, Superman: Trump’s social media images exclusively target his base and try to blur political reality
Andrew Rojecki, Communication, University of Illinois Chicago; Tanja Aitamurto, Communication, University of Illinois Chicago

August 28, 2025
How does your body make poop?
Brian Robert Boulay, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, University of Illinois Chicago