Welcome to the ESS Communications Page. This page includes information, resources, and materials related to the Department’s ongoing communications strategy. Please do not hesitate to contact the ESS communications manager, Summer Caton, at with questions.
Sharing Our Impact: News articles and feature stories
At ESS, we are dedicated to both addressing the complex and urgent challenges facing our planet and advancing our understanding of fundamental Earth and space processes. Our faculty, researchers, and students are at the forefront of cutting-edge research that blends applied science with essential discoveries.
To ensure the significance of our work reaches a broad audience, we actively share news, feature stories, and research updates with media outlets, the scientific community, and the public. By communicating our discoveries and outreach efforts, we not only showcase the transformative contributions of our department but also foster collaborations that extend the impact of our research beyond academia.
We invite all members of the ESS community to participate in this effort–whether through media engagement, public talks, or digital platforms–helping to highlight the relevance of our science, inspire new conversations, and drive positive change on a global scale.
What makes a good news story?
A paper that has been accepted for publication is often a good time to begin working on a press release with the UW News Office. Examples of topics reporters may be interested in include:
- Major scientific advances or discoveries.
- Research that affects people’s lives or that anyone can relate to.
- Research published in a major scientific journal or presented at a conference with interesting findings and/or beneficial applications.
- Research tied to current news events.
- Quirky or fund research.
- Community-based research with impacts beyond campus.
- Good photos and videos drive coverage!
Examples: Check out the news page on the ESS website; look for UW News articles about ESS.
UW news contact
Please contact science writer [TBD] 3-4 weeks before publishing, presenting, or demonstrating new results, or earlier if you have advance notice.
What makes a good feature story?
Feature stories tend to focus on the student experience, compelling research that has demonstrated effect, or anything that lends itself to in-depth coverage. To help identify a good feature story idea, ask the following questions:
- Will the story be of interest to a broad audience?
- Is there an interesting challenge being solved?
- Are students involved?
- Is there an interdisciplinary/collaborative component?
- Is it relevant or timely? Why tell the story now?
- Are there upcoming opportunities for photo shoots?
If you are interested in highlighting your research, teaching, outreach, etc. on any of our social media channels or as a news story on the website or in the department’s annual magazine, Between Spheres, please reach out to our communications manager directly to work on a story.
Helpful Links
UW Branding Resources – Provides information on the brand standards used across the University and College of the Environment.
Personal Release Form – Used when taking and publishing photos of students and others.