Press and News

What types of research results are suitable for a press release? What other ways are there to disseminate information to the general public, media, and other target groups?

Below we provide some examples and suggestions on how you, as a communicator or researcher, can reach out to the media.

Press release

A press release is a journalistic text similar to a news article. Media outlets are free to publish all or parts of the text. The goal is to attract journalists’ interest to write their own article on the subject, preferably supplemented with an interview with researchers who can provide a more detailed insight into the research.

The central press office distributes all press releases from Stockholm University via our official channels. The press office is also responsible for international press releases in English.

Do you, as a researcher, have research results that you believe may interest the media? Do you, as a communications officer, know of an upcoming study at your department that highlights exciting research? Please contact the press office well in advance and write a few lines about what the research is about and why it is interesting so we can assess whether the results are suitable for a press release.

Contact: press@su.se

A press release can be based on, for example:

  • New research results published in a scientific journal
  • A doctoral thesis
  • Major news about the university’s activities

All press release requests are reviewed, and the press office decides whether to send it as a press release based on criteria such as:

  • Is the researcher affiliated to Stockholm University?
  • News value – are the results of general interest and do they have relevance to a wider audicence?
  • Have the research results undergone peer review and are they (will they be) published in a scientific journal? We do not issue press releases on articles published as preprints.
  • Scientific quality – primarily determined by the journal’s impact factor.
  • Is the subject of particular importance to the university?
  • Time and workload of the press office.

Please contact the press office at least two weeks before the planned publication date to increase the chances of us being able to help you.
Contact: press@su.se

To help the press offfice assess whether research results are suitable for a press release, we often ask you as a researcher or a communications officer for a rough draft.

Things to consider when writing your draft:

  • How can your research results be interesting to the public? Ensure this is included in the text.
  • Make sure to put the most interesting part first, followed by deeper and more explanatory text.
  • Quotes from the researcher(s) behind the study make the text more newsworthy and digestible. A quote also gives the researcher a good opportunity to comment on the results in various ways.
  • Try to illustrate your research with a concrete example of what the results can be used for. Relate to current events if possible.
  • Use simple language. Avoid jargon. Explain your research as if addressing someone without prior knowledge.
  • Remember that a good press release often takes some time to produce and is a collaboration between the researcher and the press office. The researcher approves the final text before distribution.

Visit Eurek Alert to see examples of our press releases (search for “Stockholm University” using citation marks).

News tips to journalists and editorial teams

A news tip is sent directly to selected journalists or editorial teams via e-mail or phone. The tip can be about new research or a new initiative at the university, a link to relevant material, or a short summary of the news directly in the e-mail.

To reach a specific audience, a news tip can be more effective than a broad press release since journalists with a particular interest in the subject will be more likely to take action. Many journalists also appreciate receiving news tips exclusively, preferably directly from the researcher or the communications officer at the researcher’s department.

If you, as a communications officer or researcher, need suggestions on editorial teams within various subject areas, the press service can assist.

Communicate your research

On the following page, we have gathered tips and advice for researchers:

Communicate your research

Be included in one of our expert lists

Stockholm University recurrently compiles so called expert lists with a selection of researchers who can comment on current or recurring events.

These expert lists are primarily aimed at journalists looking for researchers. Below are our current expert lists.

Find an expert (in Swedish at su.se)

Would you like to join a list as a researcher or have suggestions for a new expert list? Contact redaktion@su.se.

Give an interview

As a researcher, you may be contacted by the media for an interview based on published research results or as an expert to comment on a current event or phenomenon. If you want support before your interview, you can always contact the press office via the contact details below.

Once a year – or on demand – training session is held for researchers who want to know more about and get tools for participating in the media.

Internal training – Researchers meet media

Write popular science articles for The Conversation

Stockholm University is a member of the foundation behind the online news outlet The Conversation, where researchers write articles and comment on current news events worldwide.

Read more about the cooperation with The Conversation and how you can publish articles in the outlet.

Write an opinion piece

An opinion piece is a good way to reach out when there is a clear opinion or proposal for action. The researcher handles the contact with editorial teams and writes the article. If an opinion piece is related to new research results, the press office can, if needed, support in finding relevant editorial teams.

Contact

Press Office
We answer the press phone on weekdays from 7 am to 8 pm and weekends from 8 am to 8 pm. For non-urgent matters, please call during office hours or send an e-mail. Our e-mail is monitored on weekdays.
Editorial Team
Our e-mail address is monitored on weekdays, mornings, and afternoons.

Last updated: 2024-10-03

Source: Communications Office