New expert requests:

1.Adult illiteracy/education in Philly: According to Axios, about 140,000 Philadelphians lack a high school diploma; more than half of adults under 65 in the city read at a 5th-grade level or below, and many local adult education programs have waiting lists. We are looking for an adult literacy expert based in the Philadelphia region who can provide evidence-based analysis on why the illiteracy rate is so high, and or the impacts on individuals, families and communities when adults gain literacy. We are open to other angles as well, for example a service piece on where adult Philadelphians can go for literacy education and support; or how other cities have invested in and improved adult literacy rates.
Section: Local
Contact: Kate Kilpatrick, Philadelphia editor, kathleen.kilpatrick@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor Wednesday, Aug. 12

In case you missed it, we are still chasing:

2. New CDC director: We are looking for a high-level health policy scholar or similar to do a fairly quick turnaround piece that can provide context/perspective on the new CDC director or the confirmation process. We are open to angles depending on scholars’ expertise  - for example, how tricky these hearings have become, or what business CDC hasn’t dealt with in the absence of a director, some aspect of the new director’s background. If possible, when proposing a scholar please include a brief (1-2 sentence) summary of the angle they’d like to take. 
Section: Health + Medicine
Contact: Alla Katsnelson, alla.katsnelson@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 10

3. Science communication & public trust re: Rodgers vs. Fauci: Looking for a scholar in health communication, science communication, or media psychology to explain the mechanics at play: why does a message land differently coming from an athlete than from a scientist or politician? What role does parasocial trust perhaps play in how health claims get absorbed? This wouldn't be a piece about Fauci or Rodgers specifically, but a broader explainer using this moment as the news hook.
Section: Local, Pittsburg
Contact: Cassandra Stone, cassadra.stone@theconversation.com  
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 10

4. The ‘wellness’ culture’s spin on nicotine: A rising contingent of pro-nicotine wellness influencers are spreading misinformation about the supposed benefits of nicotine in the form of pouches, patches, lozenges and gum as a ‘safer’ alternative to antidepressants. They claim that because nicotine is present in trace amounts in certain vegetables, it is a natural compound that has numerous health benefits. We are looking for a pharmacologist, public health epidemiologist or related expert to write an explainer on where this trend originates and to unpack the science behind the dangers of nicotine and this growing trend. As part of our global health initiative, we would like to expand the focus of the story beyond the U.S. to look at how this trend is playing out in other countries as well, and what lessons can be learned from it.
Section: Health + Medicine
Contact: Amanda Mascarelli, amanda.mascarelli@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 10

5. Back to school with kids and head lice: As part of our back-to-school coverage, we are looking for a pediatrician, pediatric dermatologist or public health expert who can write an engaging 800 word explainer for a general audience about head lice and school  - how kids catch them (are some people more prone?), how best to get rid of them (have treatments changed/become more effective?), what (if anything) has changed in guidance (for example, kids can generally return to school even if the treatment is not complete) etc.
Section: Health + Medicine
Contact: Alla Katsnelson, alla.katsnelson@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 11

6. Eating disorders and judgement calls: Given all the discourse around Ariana Grande, we're looking for a scholar who can offer advice on how to navigate that fine line between making assumptions about a person's body/behavior and intervening out of concern because you think you see textbook symptoms – something especially difficult when it comes to eating disorders, and something inherently difficult because you're working from an incomplete picture. More broadly, this piece will cover the difficulty of public image vs. private health issues, both in terms of celebrity and everyday people – in other words, how do you express concern when you don’t have all the information (which you are not entitled to), and when any expression of concern is inherently a judgement on someone's appearance? The piece will not be centered on Grande and any mention of her would likely be included among a list of other public figures who have experienced similar speculation and scrutiny.

This piece will be part of our Quarter Life series, which is geared towards readers in their 20s and 30s – so we'll likely also note how public sentiment has shifted on the thin ideal and weight loss over the past two decades. We encourage you to consider reaching out to scholars of color, but definitely feel free to suggest anyone you think is a good fit – this story may be particularly well-suited for interdisciplinary scholars (e.g., anthropology/sociology/philosophy), ideally with clinical experience. When responding, please share a link to the profile of the scholar you have in mind.
Section: Health + Medicine
Contact: Vivian Lam, vivian.lam@theconversation.com
Timeline: ASAP, please contact by Aug. 7

7. Abdul El-Sayed and his support: Former public health official Abdul El-Sayed narrowly beat Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s senate primary race for the democratic nomination on Tuesday by a slimmer margin than originally forecasted by some pollsters. El-Sayed will now face Republican nominee Mike Rodgers in November’s general election. We’re looking for a political scholar to provide key takeaways about El-Sayed’s win, especially focusing on the role of young voters and Black voters in supporting this progressive candidate. Open to other slants as well but we need to work with someone who can move this fast.
Section: Local, Detroit
Contact: Eleanore Catolico, eleanore.catolico@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 6

8. Philadelphia traffic fatalities: Despite changes implemented by Philly’s Vision Zero Task Force over the past decade, the city is #1 for traffic fatalities among the largest US cities, with about 9 traffic deaths each year per 100K residents. Why is that? Which changes are working and which are not? What, if anything, have peer cities like Chicago, NYC, Washington D.C., and Boston done differently?
Section: Local  
Contact: Kate Kilpatrick, Philadelphia editor, kathleen.kilpatrick@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 10 

9. Missing/stolen equipment in Philly schools: Philadelphia’s City Controller’s office recently published a report that calls out some financial mismanagement practices – or “deficiencies in internal control” – by the School District of Philadelphia. One relates to “Poor Accountability Over School Equipment.” The report states, “During our fiscal year 2025 audit, we again tested the School District’s oversight of its personal property assets. Our testing included selecting 147 items from the School District’s Oracle inventory records to determine if the property was physically located at the school of record. We also selected another 122 items by physical observation at the same schools to determine if the School District accurately included these assets in its property records. Of the 147 items selected from property records 96 items (or 65%) with a total property value of $297,316 could not be located. Of the 122 items selected from the field locations 74 items (or 61%) could not be found in the property records.” We are looking for an expert in school management and K-12 school finances who can provide analysis on this issue. Why is so much equipment unaccounted for? What are the financial and other ramifications? What are best practices to have a better accounting of these purchases?
Section: Local  
Contact: Kate Kilpatrick, Philadelphia editor, kathleen.kilpatrick@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 12

10. Philly crime and homelessness: Philadelphia is on track to have its lowest number of homicides since 1963. Meanwhile the number of people living on the street has also dropped. We are looking for scholars who can place either set of these numbers in context. What’s working? What stories do the numbers not tell?
Section: Local  
Contact: Kate Kilpatrick, Philadelphia editor, kathleen.kilpatrick@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 10 

11. Detroit’s community benefits ordinance: It’s been 10 years since Detroit voters approved a community benefits ordinance, the first municipal law of its kind in the nation. As a result, Stellantis, Henry Ford Health and other developers have promised residents jobs, youth programs and better roads, among others.  But some researchers have found that the current process puts residents at a disadvantage due to a lack of information and representation during negotiations and enforcement of benefits delivery remains an issue. I am looking for a scholar to examine the ordinance, its strengths and limitations, along with a specific interest on ways to bolster enforcement of the agreements. I also welcome other pitches about this issue.
Section: Local
Contact: Eleanore Catolico, Detroit editor, eleanore.catolico@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 18

12. Mental health care access in Detroit: Detroit residents say mental health is the most important medical issue to address in the community,  according to a Detroit Health Department report released in June 2026. But a shortage of mental health care providers, stigma and an inadequate number of mental health clinics create barriers to accessing mental health care. I’m looking for a scholar to dive into why Detroiters struggle to access or navigate the region’s mental health care landscape and what solutions could help improve access to care. I also welcome other pitches on this topic.
Section: Local
Contact: Eleanore Catolico, Detroit editor, eleanore.catolico@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 18

13. Pilgrimages and AI: We are looking for pitches on pilgrimages and how they are changing – especially how technology is playing a role and how AI tools are influencing the experience.
Section: Ethics + Religion
Contact: Kalpana Jain, kalpana.jain@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 7

14. Celebration of Onam: We are looking for scholars to explain the festival of Onam, the annual harvest festival celebrated by the people of Kerala, India and observed by Keralites worldwide. 
Section: Ethics + Religion
Contact: Kalpana Jain, kalpana.jain@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 7

15. Celebration of Navratri: We are looking for scholars to write about the upcoming nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri and how the celebrations are changing in a digital age.
Section: Ethics + Religion
Contact: Kalpana Jain, kalpana.jain@theconversation.com
Timeline: Contact editor by Aug. 7

16. Wisdom from around the world series: We are starting a series on the religion desk where we are inviting scholars – philosophers, religion scholars – to write about texts, objects, plants – or sources from around the world which have something to teach us today. It could be a celebration, a festival or another tradition that we know little about.
Section: Ethics + Religion
Contact: Kalpana Jain, Kalpana.jain@theconversation.com
Timeline: Flexible

16. AI and religion: We are inviting scholars to pitch us ideas related to AI and religion. A big theme we are interested in – how AI is changing religious communities? However, we welcome pitches from any angle.
Section: Ethics + Religion
Contact: Kalpana Jain, Kalpana.jain@theconversation.com
Timeline: Flexible

Accountability expert requests:

Please contact The Conversation’s watchdog team if you know of scholars who are building or watching datasets. We’re interested in data that shows aspects of people's health, healthcare, the environment, public policy, technology, politics and business practices, especially if it is tracking or has uncovered unexpected or worrisome changes that affect people, society or the environment. 
Section: Accountability
Contact: Watchdog@TheConversation.com
Timeline: Ongoing

If you are looking to introduce your team or academics to The Conversation, please send them this link. 

Thank you for your help in identifying and prepping scholars who are a good fit and willing to write on these requests.

Best,

Hannah Sussman
hannah.sussman@theconversation.com
University Relations Manager

Chris Calimlim
chris.calimlim@theconversation.com
Editorial and University Relations Associate

Eric Zack
eric.zack@@theconversation.com
Senior Director of University Relations

PS: If you haven't already seen it, here's our video on why faculty ought to write for us: