The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), with Universal Impact and The Conversation, is offering free online “Writing for the Media” training for early-career researchers at ACU member universities. You’ll learn how to pitch and write about your research for news outlets, with group sessions and one-to-one feedback on your own media pitch.
Deadline: 24 November 2026, 15:00 UTC (4:00 p.m. WAT, 5:00 p.m. CAT/SAST, 6:00 p.m. EAT). Only one place per ACU member university, so check with your institution early.
Key Details
- Organiser: Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
- Training partners: Universal Impact and The Conversation
- Format: online
- Structure: two 2-hour group sessions plus one-to-one feedback
- Timing: about six months, in early to mid-2027
- Places: about 20, with a limit of one per member university
- Deadline: 24 November 2026, 15:00 UTC
Benefits
- free training in research communication from media professionals
- understanding of how the media landscape works, and the language, structure and tone editors want
- how to pitch successfully and avoid misrepresentation of your research
- individual feedback on a 250–350 word media pitch about your work
- examples of the reach and impact media coverage can bring
- a stronger public profile for you and your university
The Conversation publishes articles written by academics and edited by journalists, and its pieces are widely republished, making it a strong first outlet for researchers.
Eligibility
- a PhD candidate or someone who already holds a PhD
- an early-career researcher or academic at an ACU member university
- within seven years of starting your academic research or teaching career (career breaks excluded)
- only one place per member university
Many universities in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania and other Commonwealth countries are ACU members. Check the ACU member list or ask your research or international office.
How to Apply
- Read the details on the official ACU Writing for the Media page and the application guidance.
- Confirm your university is an ACU member and that you meet the early-career rule.
- Prepare a short summary of your research and why you want to communicate it to the public.
- Submit your application through the ACU page before 24 November 2026, 15:00 UTC.
Tips
- Pick a research finding with a clear public angle: health, climate, education, jobs or technology in your country.
- Explain in plain words why your research matters to ordinary readers.
- Read a few articles on The Conversation Africa to understand the style before applying.
- Coordinate with colleagues: if several apply from one university, only one can be selected.
The ACU website blocks automated checks, so details are based on the ACU listing and After School Africa. Confirm on the ACU page before applying.
