In a recent article for University Affairs, Frédéric Deschenaux (Université du Québec à Rimouski) and Stéphane Allaire (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi) discuss the benefits of public engagement for academics. Deschenaux and Allaire highlight some of the reasons that academics may have for participating or not participating in public engagements. They assert that speaking to the media is a beneficial activity that can support social emancipation, counter fake news, and offer an informed perspective. They also note that it is not a task that needs to be taken on alone: research teams can set up a “speaking rotation” to distribute the work. “Everyone benefits: society gains an informed perspective, and you gain another line for your CV,” write the authors.
