Research Communication Services

Scientists reshape our understanding of medicine every day. Some experts estimate that more than 2 million academic papers are published each year. In such a crowded landscape, the Children’s National Hospital communications team wants to help ensure your research gets the attention it deserves. This will help you as you build your reputation in your field and help the organization as we pull the curtain back on the extraordinary breakthroughs that happen here.

Building a communications strategy takes time and planning, and we want to help you find the best venues to share your successes. This may include newspapers, magazines, radio, trade publications, national or local television, podcasts, social media and our Innovation District website.

As you move through the research process, the communications team is an email away – [email protected] – to answer any questions.

• Publications of significance. Alert the communications team as soon as your research is accepted to a journal. We adhere to all embargo guidelines and often work with the journal directly. Coming to us prior to publication allows us to review the work and develop the appropriate communications strategy to roll out as soon as the paper publishes. If your paper is selected for a media push, timeliness is vital in securing interest.
• Grants of significance. Generally, this means grants of more than $1 million from a federal agency. However, we always weigh newsworthiness. For example, if a grant targets an underfunded area of research or spotlights a unique partnership, we want to know.
• Interesting milestones. We often talk about science at the beginning (when a grant is won) or at the end (when a manuscript is published), but there may be moments along the way that merit sharing with a wider audience. We are available to talk at any stage of the process.

How we weigh what to promote

• Newsworthiness: Topics with consumer appeal or a natural audience in specialized media are more likely to be spotlighted.
• Impact: Papers that move a field forward, rather than validate the scientific record, are always of more interest.
• Media is more likely to cover clinical studies than editorials, literature reviews or technical comments. However, we will always weigh the newsworthiness and look for ways to spotlight your work.
• The first or corresponding author should be from Children’s National.

When your research is selected for a media push

• The communications team will reach out to the journal to verify embargo terms.
• We will ask you to be available for interviews when the paper is published.
• A member of the communications team will be present for all interviews. This is to help with any follow-up questions and ensure your words are accurately represented. If a news organization contacts you directly, please reach out to us right away.
• We will help you prepare to the extent you would like media coaching.

The communications team is here to support you and the hospital’s mission to help kids grow up stronger. Please come to us directly for advice.

Channels 

• EurekAlert
• Innovation District
• Press releases
• Media pitching

Our digital communications staff works to manage our public web property, childrensnational.org/research, and collaborates to develop digital strategies for our research to drive awareness and engagement.

Services in this category include:

• Researcher and staff profiles and lab websites
  • Our staff provides editorial and design support to help researchers create their web presence that highlights their expertise, accomplishments, their team and current research projects.
• Content creation
  • We can assist in the development of content for public channels to help promote research developments, events, lectures and other announcements.

• Research & Innovation website
• Email marketing and newsletters
• Events

[email protected]

Our team can assist in the development of visual materials to help communicate your research using the latest best practices and accessibility standards.

Services in this category include:

• Graphics design
  • We can support and assist in the development of graphics for posters, presentations, publications and more applying the Children’s National brand.
• Poster development
  • Our team can provide consultations for designing posters applying the latest techniques and innovative tactics.
• Guidance on brand identity
  • We assist researchers in creating materials that adhere to the latest brand guidelines for Children’s National.

Channels

• Infographics
• Posters
• Presentations
• Printed collateral
• Promotional items
• Photography

Contact

[email protected]

Each year, the Children’s National Academic Annual Report represents a detailed look at our quest to prevent or treat serious and prevalent pediatric illnesses. Our team works closely with researchers across our research centers to highlight our yearly accomplishments.

Services in this category include:

• Content development
• Strategy

Channels

• Academic Annual Report
• Research, Education & Innovation Week Abstract Book
• Printed publications

Contact

[email protected]

Maintaining a vibrant research ecosystem across our campuses is a distinct priority for our research institute. At our disposal we have developed several tools and services to help communicate within the CNRI in an effective, engaging and accessible way.

Services in this category include:

• News and events
  • We can communicate internal announcements in a secure, accessible way to our faculty and staff.
• Internal newsletters and email
  • We provide constant updates to our CNRI community through email newsletters and special announcements and can assist in the development of these.
• Digital signage
  • The RIC is equipped with digital signage that can help you promote special announcements, events and news to our researchers and staff.
• Internal events and meetings
  • Our team assists in the development of meetings and events for our faculty and staff and can help you communicate any important and relevant information in these events.

• SharePoint Intranet
• Microsoft Teams
• Digital signage at the RIC
• Newsletters
• Internal meetings

Contact

[email protected]