“Tips for Writing Successful Op-Ed Pitches”

Social science research has the power to influence social policy, improve human lives, and contribute to public good. Yet, research findings that are buried in academic journals often fail to have broader real-world impact. Many BU social scientists are eager to do effective public scholarship, writing op-eds for high-visibility media outlets and engaging in public conversations about cutting-edge issues. But how do you break into public writing? A panel of editors from major media sites will join us, and share their insights on how to pitch, frame, and write an effective op-ed. The event will be held on Wednesday March 5 from 3:30-5 pm via Zoom. Our panelists are: Brian Bergstein, Editor, Boston Globe Ideas section. Brian is The Boston Globe’s deputy managing editor for the Ideas section in Globe Opinion and a member of the Globe’s editorial board He previously was executive editor of MIT Technology Review, where he helped lead the overall editorial coverage. The publication was twice nominated for the National Magazine Award in general excellence during his tenure. Kathryn Cramer Brownell, Senior Editor, Made By History, TIME. Dr. Brownell is Professor of History at Purdue University. Her research and teaching focus on the relationships between media, politics, and popular culture, with an emphasis on the American presidency. Made by History is a leading history column producing rigorous historical analysis of U.S. current events and public debates, offering an easily digestible format designed for the general public. Stacy Morford, Senior Environment, Climate and Energy Editor, The Conversation. Stacy spent her career as an Associated Press national editor and state government reporter. She has covered science, climate change and sustainable development for much of the past two decades, including helping build an award-winning news startup and as a communications officer at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and at the World Bank. The Conversation is a nonprofit, independent news organization dedicated to unlocking the knowledge of experts for the public good. The session will be moderated by Deborah Carr, A&S distinguished professor of sociology and CISS director, and Arianne Chernock, professor of history and associate dean of the faculty for social sciences. Dr. Carr’s writings have appeared in CNN, The Conversation, The Hill, Psychology Today, and more. Dr. Chernock has written for Cognoscenti, The Conversation, Ms,, The Washington Post, and more.