TL;DR: The project “New Methods for Sharing Research Findings with Society” tested new communication formats to make policy-relevant research more accessible to decision-makers, journalists, and the public. Long policy briefs created the strongest impact. newsletters reached the widest audience. and interactive webinars generated the highest engagement. The key insight: the right format determines whether research is noticed or ignored.
New Methods for Sharing Research Findings with Society
Developing new presentation formats is essential for communicating policy-relevant research effectively. The overarching goal of this project at the Institute for Futures Studies (IFFS) was to improve how research results are shared by creating flexible formats that work across several contexts and for different audiences.
The focus is on disseminating research that addresses future societal risks and potential solutions. More information about the project is available here: New Methods for Sharing Research Findings with Society.
Invisibility Is a Greater Risk Than Criticism
The greatest risk for research is not criticism. it is invisibility. This insight guided my work in the project. I analysed audiences. tested formats. and developed methods to make research communication more precise and impactful.
A GAP analysis showed that research reports primarily reached academics. while decision-makers and journalists found them too complex. This revealed a clear disconnect between the research output and its intended audiences.
What the Tests Revealed
The project tested three major communication formats. Each showed different strengths:
- Long-form policy briefs created the strongest impact.
- APSIS newsletters achieved the widest reach.
- Interactive webinars generated the highest engagement.
Together. these formats made communication more relevant and accessible to the people who need the research most.
Implications for Research Communicators
For research communicators and PR professionals. the conclusion is clear. the choice of communication format determines whether research becomes visible and useful. It is not just a technical choice—it is a strategic one.
The Project Ends. the Work Continues
The project is concluding. but the knowledge remains. I welcome conversations with anyone interested in strengthening the societal impact of research and finding new ways to present complex findings in an accessible format.
What Do You Think?
How do you communicate research findings. and which formats have worked best? Feel free to share experiences in the comments.
FAQ
What was the goal of the project?
The goal was to develop new presentation formats that make policy-relevant research more accessible to decision-makers, journalists and the public.
Which formats were most effective?
Policy briefs had the strongest impact. newsletters reached the most people. and webinars generated the highest engagement.
Why are traditional research reports often insufficient?
Many non-academic audiences find them too complex. which means the findings do not reach the people who could use them.
