Hey researchers, get on Twitter!
On the 27th of May, David Flanders and I were invited to speak at @unimelb’s “Social Media Professionals” about how @ResPlat can help researchers engage in social media.
We’re here with the social media professionals of @unimelb! @dfflanders and @heyDejan are speaking soon! pic.twitter.com/TUqUwzEPo7
— ITS Research (@ITS_Res)May 27, 2014
Our slides can be found here, and most of the content I spoke on is repeated in these blog posts: 1, 2, 3.
So why should you, as a researcher, start tweeting? Well first, because it aids the public understanding of science. Twitter is that magical bridge between the academic and public.
Second, you only have 140 characters to express yourself. No time for jargony, convoluted speak. Twitter sharpens your writing! (this was written in less than 140 characters).
.@AstroKatie +1. Twitter is therefore a fantastic tool in sharpening academic writing.
— Dejan (@heyDejan)July 1, 2014
Katie Mack agrees.
Third, Twitter is academic currency. Can tweets predict citations? (that caught your eye, didn’t it?) Why not check this study and find out? Also check out LSE’s Impact Blog. LSE love Twitter. As an academic, you become your own (usually) self-managed brand. Twitter is the perfect way of spreading your ideas, your research papers and forming collaborations. Jump on board!
An infographic outlining the role of Twitter in Science Publication & Communication - source at bottom of image.
Fourth, everyone’s on it - or at least they’re starting to. Stay ahead of the curb. You’d be surprised at how many of your colleagues are furiously tweeting away.
Making a master spreadsheet of all unimelb academics on Twitter. Glad to see my school, @Government_UoM, leading the way.
— Dejan (@heyDejan)July 1, 2014
Want to be included in my beautiful spreadsheet? Ping me!
Closer to home, Dr Katie Mack, with more than 12,000 followers, has had enormous success navigating the twittersphere. “AstroKatie” (as she’s known more commonly in her community), writes:
I jumped right in and found it to be an excellent resource for keeping up with astrophysics and the world-wide academic community… When a scientist on Twitter veers away from the pure science and talks about the life they’re balancing with (or building around) a research career, it helps break down stereotypes and increase public trust in science. I think it can be an especially good opportunity for women or minorities in science to become role models for young people hoping to follow the same path.
Read the rest of “Unlocking the secret of tweet success” here.
The academic community is growing. Interest in science is growing. Twitter is growing. I urge all researchers, academics, and University students to get on board and join the movement. Let’s make it trend-y!
What can you do? Forward this blogpost to colleagues, friends and other community members you think need a little Twit nudge. I have about a million other resources which might aid in this Twitter revolution, so ping me! I’m also more than happy to provide some Twit-Lit (Twitter Literacy).
Tweet ya later!
