Research Communications Resources | Office of Research and Innovation

Overview

Great stories of research and innovation abound at Michigan State University, but how are they developed?

Origination for most stories comes from communications staff within departments and colleges, with additional writing and media relations supported centrally by University Communications. The Office of Research and Innovation aggregates and promotes research through several channels including this website and social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter and more. Both University Communications and the Office of Research and Innovation welcome the opportunity to collaborate with communicators from across the university, other institutions, and funding agencies.

Contact: Melanie Kauffman, Sr. Communications Manager, Office of Research and Innovation
Email: kauffm59@msu.edu
Phone: 517-884-0099

Note: Please also contact Melanie with any website or web accessibility questions or concerns.

Criteria for Research Promotion

The depth and breadth of MSU research along with the thousands of publications by MSU faculty, staff and students, does not allow communicators to possibly cover every story.

In an effort to focus resources, University Communications has established the following criteria for promotion of research:

Research results that advance knowledge and demonstrate world-class quality and innovation; additional criteria to consider, includes research that has:
- been published in a peer-reviewed journal within the last three months (but not pitched to media)
- national/global impact or a strong state news angle
- an MSU researcher as the lead author; however, if MSU is not the lead author, the University Communications team will coordinate with partner institutions on publicity so please flag all research for the relevant media contact/beat writer
Application of knowledge in ways that address social and global problems and improve quality of life
Major grants, awards and partnerships that reflect MSU’s excellence, demonstrate its value as a go-to partner and illustrate its capacity to catalyze progress (major gifts/grants over $1 million are pitched to media)
International activity that demonstrates the breadth and stature of MSU’s global engagement and the significance of its global role
Economic development activity that shows MSU is an essential driver of competitiveness, quality of life and prosperity in Michigan and among the elite research universities that will help shape the future of U.S. competitiveness
Distinctions and innovations (first, best, only): ways in which MSU is using creative approaches and intelligent risk taking to set the standard for higher education
Student experiences and opportunities that are exceptional and reinforce one or more of the priority areas listed above
High-level awards (i.e., Election to National Academies, Rhodes Scholarship, etc.)
Top-tier rankings (i.e., Times Higher Ed, U.S. News & World Report) – news value is determined based on MSU’s year-over-year performance
A small number of carefully selected events based on news value and their alignment with the priorities listed above. Research and Innovation will promote any research related event for which we are a sponsor and other events as resources allow.

Along with accurately reflecting the research and its implications, research stories should include key statistical information and limitations, links to relevant sources and/or publications, sources of funding, disclosure of any conflicts of interest, and must follow best practices to meet regulatory requirements for human or animal subjects.

University Communications

University Communications also identifies opportunities for faculty to connect with major media outlets as subject matter experts and facilitates placement of op-eds, commentary and analysis. An example of which is MSU's participation in The Conversation.

MSU’s college and unit communicators also serve as resources to faculty and staff and can provide counsel and respond to inquiries from the media. Employees are strongly encouraged to contact them along with their University Communications media contacts, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the media.

Approach to Pre-Prints

Research and Innovation, along with our colleagues in University Communication, have adopted a position of extreme care regarding research in early stages, including preprints, or non-peer reviewed research articles available online.

Promotion of research not yet peer-reviewed, will only be considered in unique cases such as new findings related to COVID-19 or other similar issues related to public health where time is of the essence. In these cases, public relations for such research will be vetted through a senior communications committee and approved by the Vice President for Research and Innovation in advance of release.

Promoting Your Own Research

Our colleagues in University Communications have developed a Toolkit for Academics that provides training and resources to help researchers promote their own research beyond journals and peers.

Topics include:

Telling your story
Creating a web presence (website, social media, etc.)
Media training
Graphics, presentations and more

Start your communication journey by first reaching out to your department or college communicator for assistance.

How-To Videos: Writing About Research

Faculty from the MSU Knight Center for Environmental Journalism in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, have developed a series of short videos to help faculty members write effectively and persuasively about their research stories:

How To Create A Better Research Poster

How to create a better research poster in less time

Scientific Image And Illustrations

Learn how to make your own images and illustrations for grant proposals, publications and posters with BioRender. Take advantage of this easy-to-use software and special university pricing.

Photography in Research Spaces

Communicating Safety Effectively

If you are asked to participate in a media presentation, photo shoot, etc., please also demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment - safety glasses and a lab coat are recommended for a photo or video in a lab space.
Ensure all material registrations, permits and approvals are in place before sharing information with the press.
Correct any outstanding safety issues noted during safety inspections.
Protect sensitive data; be particularly careful about sharing human subject information and animal housing facility locations.

Not only can people with malicious intent misuse your information, Federal agendcies will inquire if they see inappropriate safety, health of sensitive data problems. Protect yourself and your research by checking in with Environmental Health & Safety before allowing access to your facilities.

Please also keep in mind that photo or video shoots on campus by outside media or other vendors must be vetted and approved bv University Communications, Please review the process on their website.

Aerial Photography Via Drone

With the rapid advancement of technology, drones with on-board cameras have become more affordable and widely available.

Currently, uncrewed aerial vehicles (drones) are not allowed to fly on/over the MSU campus without explicit permission from the MSU Police, whether for research purposes, public relations, viewing athletics or other reasons. Please view the guidelines related to the use of uncrewed aircraft or submersibles, which explains the approval process, particularly when such vehicles are to be used in research on- or off-campus. For additional questions, please see the contact information page.

University Communications also has stock aerial footage of campus available. Please contact them at