Several regional groups also have regular gatherings. The Association's full-time executive director is available to answer any questions you might have. Membership consists of about 100 journalists, public relations specialists and museum experts, although it does invite researchers to join. The association issues a newsletter, and hosts an annual conference for members to which researchers are also invited to attend. Experienced Association members are an excellent source of advice on science communications.
Many researchers work in partnership with industry, government, and publicly funded agencies.
Your freedom to communicate research activities may be limited, or even prohibited, in such a partnership. If not, you might explore communications opportunities with the other partners, who can use their in-house communications specialists as resources. Professional and Faculty Associations Many of these organizations have public relations committees or staff, who can be a source of speaking opportunities and communications advice.