Julie Kiefer, one of the panelists, summed it up well, “This is the time to show the value of research. Whether you’re a scientist or science fan, there are many tools and resources to help you share your passion with broad audiences.”

On March 18, the Office of Research Education (REd) program hosted a dynamic panel discussion, “Why Your Research Needs a Story: Engage, Inform, Inspire,” focused on the power of storytelling in research communication.

Moderated by Jared Jones, Associate Director of PR & Communications for the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), the panel featured communication experts from across campus, including representatives from U Health and the Natural History Museum of Utah. The discussion covered essential strategies for translating complex research into accessible language, crafting compelling narratives, and using communication platforms to better connect with audiences.

Resources for Research Storytelling

In addition to insightful discussions, panelists shared valuable resources to help researchers and science communicators improve their storytelling skills:

• The Open Notebook – A science journalism nonprofit offering expert guidance on storytelling, craft, and pitching. It publishes articles, interviews, and a database of successful pitch letters to editors.
• National Academies of Sciences: Science of Science Communication – A series of symposia and resources on advancing research and best practices in science communication, including the Standing Committee on Advancing Science Communication.
• Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) – This special issue from 2013 showcases the results of symposia that focused on effective science communication strategies.
• Communicating Science Effectively: A Research Agenda (2017 Report) – A comprehensive framework for improving science communication and public engagement.
• PRSSA Student Chapter at the U – The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) offers students opportunities to develop communication skills relevant to research storytelling.
• Professional Associations – Organizations like PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) and URMA (University Research Magazine Association) provide valuable networking and training opportunities for those interested in research communication.

Why Storytelling Matters

According to Dr. Jesse Morris, the Director of REd, “This conversation provided great insight for researchers and research staff to connect their work with a wider audience. This theme is critically important, perhaps now more than ever.”

Reflecting on the event, Jared Jones emphasized the importance of bringing research to life through storytelling:

“This was an important and timely discussion on the power of storytelling. There is incredible research happening across campus, and we want to highlight not just the discoveries, but also the people driving the research—and those whose lives it impacts.”

Dr. Morris added, “We look forward to working with Jared and our panelists in the future. Please keep an eye out for updates from REd for forthcoming panel events to current research topics.”

Get Involved

For researchers looking to amplify the impact of their work, these insights and resources provide a roadmap to more effective communication. Want to share your research story? Reach out to explore storytelling opportunities and feature your work!