Consider writing a newspaper op-ed, or opinion story, which can be an effective channel for direct communication with the public, in order to achieve specific public engagement with science goals. Op-eds provide a forum for injecting scientific information and/or viewpoints into a pressing issue, or to advocate for a specific policy aim. When writing op-eds and letters to the editor:
- Consider the goal. Consider why an op-ed is warranted. Focus on a relevant topic and offer a distinct perspective. When possible, tie the story to an event or discussion currently in the news. Often opinion editors select op-eds that comment on a current issue or offer opinions that are missing from the public conversation. Don't become frustrated if an op-ed submission does not get published. Newspapers typically receive far more op-ed submissions than they can print.
- Make one major point. Opinion editors seek clear, concise opinions on a topic — not discussions of two or more perspectives on an issue. Clearly state one major point with a strong perspective.
- Abide by the word limit. Call the newspaper to ask about any guidelines for op-eds, including the word limit. The word limit may vary greatly from one newspaper to another, but a typical range is 250 to 750 words. Stay within the limit to increase your chances of getting published.
- Include contact information. Always include an address and a phone number with a submission. Include your title and affiliation too, if appropriate. Be responsive if the op-ed is selected for publication or if an editor has questions.
- Respond promptly. Timeliness is key. Always respond to inquiries in a timely manner to improve the odds of being published.
- Submit to local newspapers. Don't rule out local papers! In the age of the internet, people all over the world, including members of Congress and other policymakers, can access local papers. Smaller newspapers do not have as many op-ed submissions as larger, national newspapers, which increases the chances of publication.
Learn from other op-ed writers and editors. Read other opinion stories to learn how to frame complex issues for public consumption.
Examples
COVID-19 is threat to our biomedical research enterprise, The Hill, May 14, 2020: Kafui Dzirasa, psychiatrist and National Institutes of Health funded brain researcher at Duke University, discusses the double threat COVID-19 places on the aging healthcare workforce and young biomedical scientists who are at high risk for mental health challenges.
Op-ed: Climate change impacts Indiana's residents, economy, Indy Star, October 27, 2019: Jeffrey Dukes, director of the Purdue Climate Change Research Center, talks about bipartisan support for solutions to climate change and the need to respond to impacts in Indiana.
A New Approach to Treat Mental Illness: Electrical Engineering, WIRED, June 28, 2019: Kafui Dzirasa discusses the potential -- and the potential risks -- of treating mental illness with electrical engineering technology.
Opinion: Keep drinking Atlanta’s tap water, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, December 6, 2018: Karen Levy encourages Atlanta residents to drink tap water after a citywide boil water advisory has ended.
Cap drug prices with policy – here’s how, Nature, April 25, 2018: Leah Cairns encourages the pharmaceutical industry to embrace policies, including requirements for pricing transparcy, that would protect consumers.
Continued federal investment in science is critical for Lake Erie and the region: Anne Jefferson (Opinion), The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, May 26, 2017: Anne Jefferson encourages continued federal support for science funding after the president’s 2018 fiscal year budget proposal was released in May 2017.
Opinion: This polluted lake shows why we are all stakeholders when it comes to clean water, Ensia, March 29, 2017: Meghan Duffy discusses the ecological and economic impacts of reducing federal environmental protections.
Commentary: Texas textbooks need to get the facts straight, Austin American-Statesman, Nov. 6, 2014: Camille Parmesan and Alan I. Leshner advocate for a specific policy outcome, encouraging Texas educators to reject or edit certain textbooks they argue do not accurately represent the scientific consensus on climate change.
Resources
- The Washington Post guide to writing an opinion article
- Read How To Write An Op-Ed Or Column from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government
- Op-ed Writing: Tips and Tricks by The Op-Ed Project
- Consider advice on op-eds from David Jarmul, formerly of Duke University’s Office of News and Communications.
- Learn more about how op-ed editors think by listening to remarks by John Timpane, commentary page editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer (click play to hear the audio):