Research Briefs explained
Partnering with University of Minnesota researchers to share the latest discoveries with the public is an important part of the University’s mission and showcases our role as one of the nation’s leading research universities. The University Relations PR team looks for research that offers compelling insights on some of society’s most pressing concerns, makes a clear impact on daily life in Minnesota or shares surprising findings that spark curiosity about our world (and beyond).
We use Research Briefs, a proactive media relations tool, to promote the latest University of Minnesota research through concise summaries that are easy for general audiences to understand. We welcome research from any field as soon as it has been accepted by a peer-reviewed publication. Timeliness is key—the best candidates for a Research Brief are studies that have not yet been published.
Researchers are encouraged to fill out the Research Brief submission form as soon as they are aware of an upcoming or expected publication (rest assured, we follow all embargo guidelines). The PR team reviews submissions with local communicators to consider newsworthiness, confirm researcher availability for interviews, develop drafts and determine the next steps. Sometimes a Research Brief isn’t the best fit, but there are many ways to use this information for media and the public—from targeted media pitches to social media and other University- or college-owned websites and publications, like Brief.
Structure
The basic structure for a Research Brief includes:
- An introduction that establishes the main point of the study and provides broader context
- A link to the online journal article
- 3-5 main findings in bullet point format
- Quotes from 1-2 members of the research team
- Conclusions and next steps
- An acknowledgement of the supporters
- A boilerplate with a high-level overview of the affiliated college or unit
The format tells a complete story, which allows reporters and editors to quickly review a project. The concise, plain language also helps prompt a curious reporter to reach out to schedule an interview or even republish the Research Brief exactly as is.
Case Study: Satellites and AI used to detect soybean aphids
Satellite-based remote sensing allows us to see much more than we can see when standing on the ground. New research from the University of Minnesota found, when combined with artificial intelligence, remote sensing could dramatically improve management of soybean aphid, an invasive pest that negatively impacts soybean yield and quality.
Our Research Brief (Satellites and AI could help farmers detect soybean aphid infestations) highlighted the findings from a study published in the journal Crop Protection.
The release had the key elements needed for a great Research Brief: highlighting the timeliness for newsrooms, demonstrating the value of University of Minnesota research in a clear and easy to understand format, offering unique imagery related to the study, and including strong quotes that displayed the practical implications for local farmers. Ultimately, this release resulted in coverage from Twin Cities TV, local trade publications, and Greater Minnesota news outlets.
Reach out to the PR team at unews@umn.edu to learn more about how we can help share University news and build relationships with the media. Read more recent Research Briefs.