On Research…

About us

In 1977, a “blue-ribbon” task force looked at research on the Ohio State campus, evaluating the quality and potential of the entire research enterprise. Near the end of their lengthy report, a few paragraphs mentioned the need to enhance communications about the value of university research, and suggested a remedy:

“Hire a part-time clerical person to promote research.”

Mercifully, the institution’s leadership had larger plans – otherwise, you would not be reading this. They hired a science journalist to start reporting on research. At that time, only eight American research universities had staff assigned to that task. Now there are perhaps 800, and most such institutions see this communications as vital in reminding the public of the value of higher education.

Thirty years later, Ohio State’s research communications efforts continue to be a model for others, having played a key role in strengthening this outreach role among public universities. With nearly 75 years of collective science journalism experience, this staff covers campus scholarship, reporting on research progress to both the public and to a cadre of national and international news media. Since the beginning, several thousands of stories have been distributed and published, explaining the wonder and progress originating here.

With close ties to the National Association of Science Writers, the Society for Environmental Journalists, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, this program promotes the progress and potential of Ohio State research.

Research is at the heart of a great public university. It’s our job to remind you of that.

[Staff bios are available here]

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