Publish on theconversation.com

The Conversation

The Conversation is a news analysis and opinion website. It is unique in that it offers collaboration on content written by academics working with professional journalists. 

In a decade it has become the world’s leading publisher of research-based news and analysis. In 2022, University of Galway became a member. The work published via theconversation.com is free to read and free to republish under Creative Commons. Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2011, it now operates as a global network of sites with dedicated teams working in Australia, the US, the UK, France, Africa, Indonesia, Spain and Canada. It counts about 90 UK and European universities among its members.

You can read short snapshots of what it is all about here and here. Here are some statistics for theconversation.com for 2022

• The Conversation’s international network (all eight editions) achieved a total viewership of at least 670 million during 2022, with 360 million on-site readers
• Articles published by The Conversation were republished in 96 countries
• Outside of the US, most of the platform’s readers are in Europe. The top 10 countries there are UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Norway.  
• After the US, UK, Australia and Canada, its content is most read in India.
• The Conversation’s on-site readership tends to be quite young – 46% of its audience is 18-34. 

Here is everything you need to know in order to get published:  

• Please go to this link Become an author - The Conversation
• You can then make your pitch here

Before you make a pitch please feel free to contact our media relations team to talk through your idea – ed.carty@universityofgalway.ie or 0864178175 

 Here are some testimonials from colleagues who have written for theconversation.com

• Michael Madden, Established Professor and Head of School of Computer Science, said: 

"TheConversation.com provides excellent opportunities for international public engagement on research topics. I wrote an article for TheConversation on a topic that was of general interest (why ChatGPT struggles with puzzles like Wordle) and I was very impressive by the amount of traction it got: it got a large numbers of reads, it was re-published by over 20 news sites internationally, and I was interviewed about it by a Canadian radio show. It also has great potential for public dissemination of more substantial research activity."

• Padraic Kenna, full Professor of Law, School of Law, said: 

“My first experience publishing with TheConversation.com was really pleasant, with valuable feedback and easy communication. The article was my most widely read ever on housing issues, and the spread of readership was worldwide. From the feedback and comments I received it is clear that TheConversation.com is a great way to engage with experts across the globe. I would particularly recommend TheConversation.com for early stage researchers to establish an international presence.”

• Associate Professor Tom Felle, Discipline of Journalism, said: 

"Publishing with The Conversation has been useful in creating greater impact. The platform offers a global reach and depth for research dissemination that's hard to match elsewhere. My articles have not only reached a wide online audience but have also been republished by major media outlets, elevating the impact of my work. The University media relations team and the editors at The Conversation are professional and supportive, providing helpful feedback and editing to ensure a smooth publication process. It’s also not just about the publication, it's about the connections it fosters. I've had the chance to engage with a global audience and connect with fellow researchers in the media field worldwide, opening up new networking and research opportunities. Overall my experience with The Conversation has significantly enhanced my international profile. I highly recommend it to any academic or researcher looking to share their ideas and research insights effectively."

• Kate Kenny, full Professor of Business and Society, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, said: 

“I have found TheConversation.com to be an excellent outlet. Opinion pieces published there can be picked up and republished in media outlets, in the UK, the US and around the world, as I and colleagues have found. Through publication in TheConversation, my research found its way to civil society organizations and policy makers in my field. TheConversation.com publishes to a large global audience and is a good opportunity for sharing ideas and research insights. The team offers helpful feedback and editing, which makes the process work well.”

• Dr Maeve O’Sullivan, Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Decent Work, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, said: 

“Writing for theConversation.com is a no-brainer for research dissemination reach and depth. There is no comparison in terms of the professional approach and bang for buck internationally. You have final say on the article and there are always opportunities and possibilities for your work to be republished by media anywhere. TheConversation offers engagement with a global audience and with other researchers in your area of expertise around the world and it can lead to other networking and research opportunities.”

• Dr Brian Tobin, Lecturer in School of Law, said: 

"Publishing with The Conversation enabled me to disseminate my research to a very large, global online audience. My first article with The Conversation was subsequently republished on the LSE Europp blog and it also led to my being invited to appear as an expert commentator on Channel NewsAsia. My second article was cited in broadsheet national newspapers in Australia and on 9News (Australia). Publishing with The Conversation enabled me to convey ideas and critique socio-legal issues via an accessible medium and enhance my international profile."

 Alternatively, just take the plunge - https://theconversation.com

 It’s UK edition averages about 5.5m unique users per month and is also syndicated through PA News, Apple and Reuters. The potential is enormous if we hit on the right topics.