A Strategic Opportunity to Amplify Expertise

Starting a brilliant new academic position is a true testament to someone’s research, expertise, and outstanding professional accomplishments. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved, and even more so when their work gains visibility beyond their field.

But bringing new faculty on board shouldn’t just be limited to a hello and a headshot, it’s a strategic opportunity to amplify your institution's strengths, and capitalise on your new addition to your campus’ bank of knowledge.

Why Faculty Research Matters to the Media

Faculty expertise and research is one of the most valuable assets of any institution in terms of the media, as it is arguably the best way to draw consistent attention to a university or a business school. Amplifying someone’s research to connect it with wider audiences simultaneously improves their personal profile and strengthens the institution’s reputation.

Turning Research into Stories That Travel

At BlueSky Education, we’ve spent over a decade supporting world-leading institutions, helping to turn their expertise into stories which will travel. Ultimately, we understand that research is conducted for a reason, be it to improve society, education, businesses, or simply just because it’s interesting and has the potential to illuminate people’s lives.

Why Visibility Matters

Visibility isn’t everything, but without it, even the best ideas risk being buried in academic journals. Yes, academic journals do have a purpose, but their purpose is not to be widely accessible. Their purpose is also not amplification or reach. Research doesn’t speak for itself. And, when it does, so often it only speaks in rooms full of those who have heard it before. Research needs readers who are not already experts, and this is where PR comes in.

The Power of Earned Media

Earned media reaches very far. It can position your institution as a thought leader, and the introduction to new faculty offers a fresh opportunity to highlight your reputation and their expertise.

BlueSky Education's Experience and Relationships with Global Media

With our market-leading experience, long-cultivated relationships with journalists at the world’s most influential publications, and our ability to tell stories effectively, BlueSky Education offers carefully tailored, consistent media coverage which gives your researchers the platform to shape global business practices, advise governments, and even share their work on international stages, including the United Nations.

We are also frequently approached by journalists searching for credible academic insight, and with this we then connect them with the right experts, and this is something we work hard at and are especially grateful for. We are a trusted voice in the world of academic PR, with long-standing relationships with numerous top-tier publications such as Financial Times, Forbes, BBC, and Poets&Quants.

Understanding What Journalists Want

These relationships, built over a long time, mean that we have a fantastic understanding of what leading publications want. We know when to approach, what to offer, and how to frame the story. Our strategic ‘news sense’ means that the stories that we pitch are stories which will land.

Why Timing Is Key for New Faculty PR

The first few months after a new faculty member has joined your institution are key: they are enthusiastic, motivated, easily made visible, and could even be bringing recent research or awards with them. This means that, by engaging early, it is easy to capitalise on that momentum with timely press opportunities. It’d be silly not to!

How BlueSky Education Works With You

At BlueSky Education, we act as an extension of your communications team, focusing especially on earned media coverage. How we work with you:

• Drafting and pitching press releases, op-eds, and features
• Responding to media requests and connecting journalists with the right experts
• Proactive outreach to top-tier global media                             
• Securing feature opportunities with carefully targeted journalists
• Media training and coaching for faculty who are new to public engagement

How Institutions Can Help New Faculty Succeed in PR

To really help new faculty get the coverage they deserve, it’s worthwhile for everyone if we make a collaborative effort. Here’s how you can help new faculty succeed in PR:

• Highlight PR in onboarding materials. Familiarise new faculty with the importance of media engagement. Perhaps spark enthusiasm with a slideshow or a demonstration. Connect them with your PR team or agency.
• Encourage them to share updates of newsworthy developments. Whether they’ve published a new study, are speaking at an event, or have insight on a trending topic, we’d love to know! Timely updates help us respond quickly to relevant news cycles.              
• Encourage them to be open to interviews, commentary opportunities, and media training. Journalists often seek quotes on short notice. If they’re open to speaking with the media, we can connect you with the right opportunities. If you’re new to media work, we also offer media training to help you feel confident, comfortable, and prepared.
• Remind them to think beyond academia: what could the research mean for businesses, policy makers, or people in general? Journalists are often looking for practical relevance, and how clearly the work can connect to the world.

Amplifying Research for Real-World Impact

Our intention is simply to make sure your institution’s research reaches the audiences who need to hear it, regardless of whether that’s policymakers, business leaders, the wider public, or prospective students. Because navigating media and public engagement can be complex, that is why we’re here to support and help to amplify your institution in ways that align with your goals.

We’re here to ensure that your institution’s expertise is not only recognised, but heard where it can make a real and positive impact. Whether it’s shining a light on the profile of an individual researcher or driving a broader campaign to showcase your academic excellence, we work with you to position your university as the university to watch.

Ready to amplify your new faculty’s research? Contact BlueSky Education today to explore tailored PR support.

Author: Ella Coates