Preparation of Press Releases

Council has proposed that the ARS could promote anaesthesia research through the issue of press releases concerning papers presented at scientific meetings of the Society. At the last AGM it was agreed to pilot a scheme whereby press releases are issued after the meeting by email through New Scientist.

If you wish your abstract to be considered as the subject of a press release, please indicate this in your covering letter to the Honorary Secretary. Enclose with your abstract a draft press release, in double line spacing, to include:

*A headline (eg Pregnancy Shrinks the Brain)
*A 250 word (maximum) description of the potential impact and relevance of your research
*If necessary, add "Notes to Editors"
*Contact name(s) and details (telephone/fax/email) Please remember: your market is journalists
*Use simple words and short sentences - avoid medical jargon and abbreviations
*Try and sell your story in the headline & first sentence - the journalists may not read beyond this
*Use sub-headings where possible
*Send hard and electronic copy to the Honorary Secretary
*You will need to be available to be contacted by the press in the period immediately after the meeting
*If you are contacted by the press, please avoid the temptation of over-enthusiastically exaggerating the implications of your study. The Honorary Secretary will notify you if your press release is selected