The APS Communications Office and You
Communications Office Background
In 2000, the APS Council sanctioned the formation of a
communications component that would inform general audiences about
physiology and the APS through public and media outreach. By attracting
attention to Society programs and the science published in our journals and
presented at our meetings and conferences, we can educate people about
achievements in physiology and the contributions of the APS. The APS Communications Committee
oversees the programs of the Communications Office and contributes to the
planning and execution of certain program aspects and materials development.
The following is an overview of the Communications
program components and of the processes that we employ to implement program
publicity. In the “What to Expect if You Are Contacted by the
Communication Office” section, we have provided an idea of what you can
typically expect in each situation if contacted by our office.
Program Highlights
Journal Release Program/Conference and Meeting Release Program
One facet of our communications program is publicizing
the science published in our journals through the “journal release
program.” Each month, communications personnel sorts through approved articles to be
published in APS journals and selects a handful of the most newsworthy.
These articles are summarized and compiled into releases that are sent to
science writers and general and scientific media outlets. A similar
selection process takes place when choosing highlighted abstracts and
presentations from APS meetings and conferences.
What to Expect if You Are Contacted by the Communications Office
Throughout the process of synthesizing a technical
article into a form suitable for a lay audience, it is sometimes necessary
to interview the author. Additionally, more information or
a quick review of the draft release may be needed to ensure that the science
has been translated accurately into lay terms.
APS Programs
The APS wants to highlight its fellowship and
educational programs, through which it donates hundreds of thousands of
dollars each year to advance the study of physiology. These programs
benefit students (kindergarten through postdoctoral levels), teachers and
the lay public alike and have the potential to draw positive attention to
the Society. Since June, we have sought to publicize several APS programs
geared to students, the educational community and the discipline of
physiology.
What to Expect if You Are Contacted by the Communications Office
If you are the recipient of an APS award or fellowship,
you may be asked to send the press release that we develop to your academic
institution’s public relations office since they may already have good
relationships with local media. You also may be asked to send the release
to your local newspaper because entries sent from awardees to their local
newspapers are generally well-received.
Press Queries
The Communications Office also fields press queries
from science journalists seeking expert knowledge for articles that they are
writing. When this happens, we will send out an email entitled
“URGENT: Expertise Needed” to relevant scientists. The email will include
more information on the specific query and ask if you have time to speak
with the reporter – a response is needed right away. Once the
scientist responds that he/she would be interested in participating, our
office sets up a time for the scientist and reporter to talk.
What to Expect if You Are Contacted by the Communications Office
If you receive one of these emails, we ask that you
respond as soon as possible, as the reporters are usually working on very
tight deadlines and a slow reaction may lead to a missed opportunity. Most
interviews are short and require no more than one conversation on the
scientist’s part. By responding to queries in a timely fashion and offering
the media solid scientists with experience in the health arena, we can
establish the APS as the “go-to” Society for health and body function
experts.
We hope this information is helpful in acquainting you
to the Communication Office. We eagerly anticipate your cooperation and
look forward to working with many of you soon!
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