The New Academic

What does it mean to be an academic in today's rapidly changing world?

The new academic must not only be outstanding in their chosen field, they must be able to write knock-out articles, speak with flair and wit, and share it all with their huge social media following. But how do you do all that?

In The New Academic, Simon Clews offers a wealth of practical advice on how to write and speak in an entertaining, informative and, above all, accessible way. He will also help you to take care of the practicalities, the business if you like, of being a writer and communicator. Aimed at researchers at all levels of experience, this book will take you from the basics of writing and speaking, how to develop a public profile, gain traction online – starting with a simple letter to the editor and then moving through writing for newspapers and magazines, radio and TV interviews, as well as podcasting, and even exhibitions and documentary film. This book will teach experts how to be front and centre in public debate so we can all benefit from their knowledge and make informed decisions about the things that matter.Funny, lively and constructive, this is your hands-on guidebook to excelling in academia.

Simon Clews is a writer, editor, arts/literary event organiser, and specialist trainer in written and oral communication. He currently is an Honorary (Senior Fellow) at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, prior to which he spent 15 years as the Director of the Melbourne Engagement Lab at Melbourne University and 14 years as Festival Director/CEO of the Melbourne Writers' Festival.

What does it mean to be an academic in today's rapidly changing world? As a new academic, you must be outstanding in your chosen field, able to write knock-out articles, speak with flair and wit, and share it all with your huge social media following. But how do you do all that? In The New Academic , Simon Clews offers a wealth of practical advice on how to write and speak in an entertaining, informative and, above all, accessible way. He will also help you take care of the practicalities, the business if you like, of being a writer and communicator. Aimed at researchers at all levels of experience, this book will set you up with the basics of writing and speaking, then look at how to develop a public profile and gain traction online. It will show experts how to be front and centre in the public debate allowing the rest of us to benefit from their knowledge and make informed decisions about the things that matter. Funny, lively and constructive, this is your hands-on guidebook to taking your amazing research and sharing it with the outside world. 'You're a scientist who's perfectly capable of talking to your fellow scientists; but how do you communicate to the outside world? How do you lose the jargon and the technical language, but keep the ideas, and your passion and enthusiasm? This book lays it on the line in a way that is accessible, understandable and, importantly, enjoyable to read. It should be required reading for any academic hoping to engage with audiences beyond the academy.' -- Peter Doherty 'I laughed...then I cried and wished I had this book sooner. Simon Clews understands the dilemmas of academics who are tasked with creating "impact" and then don't really know what to do. This book has solid advice and great ideas for action. If you only do some of this, you will be able to tick that "impact" box with ease. I owe Simon big time for giving me some of this advice when I started The Thesis Whisperer blog ten years ago - but now I know how much he was holding out on me! I recommend this book for anyone starting out as an academic, and for old hands like myself. Automatic buy.' -- Inger Mewburn

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