UW Research

October 7, 2025

Call for Applications: Research Impact Advocates 2025-2026

Are you interested in building skills and connections to better engage public audiences about research evidence and how it matters?

The UW Office of Research invites applications from UW researchers for the inaugural Research Impact Advocates cohort in 2025-2026. This program will provide training, engagement opportunities, and community for up to 20 UW researchers interested in increasing their capacity to engage public audiences about their research findings and expertise.

Between December 2025-October 2026, the advocates will participate in the following:

  • Launch meeting in early December 2025.
  • The Op-Ed Project core workshop “Write to Change the World.” This 2-day intensive online workshop is offered twice a month. Advocates will be able to choose the exact timing of their workshop within 6 months of being selected (December 2025-May 2026). This workshop includes a journalist mentor who will help you to produce and publish an op-ed in the month after.
  • The Foundational Series from the Alan Alda Center on Communicating Science. This private three-workshop series uses evidence from social science and improv techniques to help researchers listen and communicate better. Sessions will be held online on January 15th, January 29th OR February 5th, and February 26th from 12:30-3:30pm Pacific Time.
  • A media training with staff from UW News.
  • Multiple opportunities to learn from and be mentored by experienced UW colleagues.
  • Wrap-up meeting in October 2026.

During the program, Research Impact Advocates will commit to participating in 2 or more public engagement activities that they would not have otherwise done. Examples of public engagement activities might include drafting an op-ed or a policy brief, working with UW News on a public-facing product, speaking to government officials, presenting at a retirement home, pub or cafe, or other public space, and more.

Eligibility

We aim to select a cohort that broadly represents the UW campuses and schools. Applicants must lead research projects, and be full-time faculty or research scientist at one of the three UW campuses. This opportunity is not available to post-docs, students, or communication staff.

The applicant’s department or school must agree to provide salary support for approximately 5% time (in a 12-month period) for working on public engagement. Support could come in the form of a course release, weeks of summer salary, or other equivalent forms of release/compensation.

Applying

Applications are due by November 1st, 2025 to Heather Hill (hdhill@uw.edu). Interested applicants must provide the following:

  1. Cover letter describing:
    • research area in non-technical terms,
    • prior experiences engaging with the public about research, if any,
    • reasons for applying to this program, and
    • commitment to attend all trainings offered through the program and participate in 2 or more public engagement activities that you would not have otherwise.
  2. Current 2-page CV
  3. Letter of support from Dean or Department Chair, indicating how the unit will provide support for your time.

If you have questions, please contact Heather Hill, Provost Academy Fellow, hdhill@uw.edu.