An opinion piece, also known as an op-ed or guest article, is a way for scientists to communicate their research and insights to a general audience. It positions the scientist as an expert whose views are informed by their research.
Many publications feature op-ed articles alongside the editorial page, with contributors ranging from academics to politicians and activists. They are usually short – no more than 700 words, or a couple of paragraphs – and have a conversational tone that can make them personal and engaging.
When deciding on a topic, think about what matters to your audience. It’s also important to choose a time when your readers will care about the topic, for example, around Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
Write the article as though you were answering the question: “So what?” It’s not enough to simply analyse a problem or present your views; you need to offer an actionable solution that will make things better. How will your suggestions help reduce taxes, protect children from disease or get more people to choose healthier foods?
Practice explaining your position to someone unfamiliar with the topic to order your thoughts and clarify your message. Don’t bury the point in an over-long argument, and avoid technical jargon or obscure references. Keep paragraphs short and punchy, and consider giving the reader a clear call to action in the final sentence or paragraph. For best results, it’s also worth offering a few alternative solutions to the problem you’re addressing; this shows that you have more than one way of looking at the issue.
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