Advice on innovative and traditional methods of communicating your research and impact to different audiences
Communicating the myriad ways that universities’ research benefits and changes society has never been more important. But what are the most compelling means to convey original knowledge and discoveries from labs, libraries and the field to policymakers, industry, fellow academics and the general public? All researchers, from STEM to the humanities, need the skills to amplify their findings, whether through traditional academic routes such as publication in specialist journals and conference presentations; via engagement with mainstream media, news outlets or social media; or by informing government policy, commercialising discoveries and international collaboration. This collection offers insight and advice on different ways to showcase research so it makes a difference.
Communicating effectively with policymakers and funding bodies requires the ability to translate research for audiences with influence but not necessarily an in-depth understanding of your field. These resources explain best practice in breaking down complex topics to draw out the most compelling messages, how to align expectations between different parties and what is at stake.
The academic conference circuit is a well-trodden path for researchers keen to broadcast their work and build their profiles across global higher education. From preparation and practice to overcoming anxiety, these resources offer advice to turn a nervous novice into a presentation pro.
With the potential to reach a global audience of listeners, podcasts offer a fun and engaging way to share research activity. Setting one up is easier than you might think. Or brave scientists could even try their hand at humour. Here’s how to choose the right platform – and equipment – and find your niche.
While research is about far more than numbers, when it comes to demonstrating impact they can be helpful. Publishing your work through open access channels can broaden its reach, enabling anyone to freely use, share and build upon your data. This brief guide explains the process. Once work is published, understanding audience and citation metrics can help you boost the visibility of your work. Find out how here.
Whether you prefer TikTok, BlueSky or YouTube, social media is a powerful tool for building influence in your areas of expertise. These resources look at how to use our age’s ubiquitous megaphones to share your hard work with the world.
