News Room
As North America's largest professional society of ecologists, the Ecological Society of America is a valuable resource for journalists. ESA's Public Affairs Office (PAO) is well equipped to link journalists with many of ESA's nearly 9,500 members.
To be added to the ESA press list, or for more information, please contact Annie Drinkard, ESA’s Public Affairs Officer, at 202-833-8773, Ext-211.
Press releases
Press releases cover a wide variety of topics, highlighting recent research and developments in the field of ecology.
ESA Resources:
Rapid Response Team Experts
A project of the Ecological Society of America, the Rapid Response Team database is made up of experts who have volunteered to answer questions or provide input on various scientific issues.
ESA Journals
ESA publishes several journals and other materials that are particularly useful to journalists. Members of the press may receive free on-line subscriptions by contacting the Public Affairs Officer.
Fact sheets
Fact Sheets cover the science behind environmental issues ranging from acid rain to invasion of exotic species to coral reefs.
Issues in Ecology
ESA 's Issues in Ecology is a continuing series designed to present major ecological issues in an easy-to-read manner.
ESA Policy Statements
(Position papers, statements, and letters)
Past Annual Meeting Abstracts
- Memphis 2006
- Montreal 2005
- Portland 2004
- Savannah 2003
- Tucson 2002
- Madison 2001
ESA Members:
Who writes about your research where you work?
ESA 's Public Affairs Office prepares news releases on ESA journal articles and research presented at ESA 's Annual Meeting. Give us a heads-up if you believe your research might be of interest. Also, stay in touch with - or learn the name of and meet – your institution's Public Relations / Information Officer. Tell the office when you have research being published or are presenting at a meeting. They will appreciate your initiative, even if they don't cover every story. Encourage them to contact the Society's Public Affairs Office so we can coordinate news coverage.
Ecological Adventures?
Email us photos from your work adventures, and you could wind up in ESA 's Annual Report: field work, lab work, teaching, scaling
mountains, scuba diving; wherever your work takes you, send us a snapshot with a brief description and you may find yourself online or in print.
In the News Lately?
Email annie@esa.org with your latest headline, news story, or summary of your interview if on radio or television. We'll compile a few each month to highlight on the ESA website.
A Specialist?
ESA often fields calls from reporters looking for experts on particular topics related to ecological science. Contact PAO so we can add you to the growing cadre ready to inform the public.
Why talk to the Media?
- Science – and its implications – is more important than ever.
- The media is the public's single most important information source.
- Cooperation usually means greater accuracy in reporting.
Interview Pointers:
- Remember the audience – some reporters are well-versed in the subject matter, others are not. Have the patience to keep things simple and to explain certain concepts when asked.
- Use positive answers – do not repeat negative words or phrases from a question when giving your answer, even in jest.
- Get your point across – follow your agenda by getting your message points into the interview. Take the time to inform the public.
- Stay accurate – if you don't know an answer, say so. Keep your answers clear and concise.
- Love your work – if you are not excited by what you are talking about, no one else will care either.
Remember, reporters have editors, and both have deadlines. Be respectful of tight deadlines, and keep your cool with the occasional wording mishap. You can let them know of the error in a civil manner. If you get a message about contacting a reporter, call them back ASAP. Hot topics can go cold quickly.
