A brief presentation setting out the importance of communicating research on international development effectively

1. Why bother with research communications? James Georgalakis, Communications Manager

2. “Development studies is research committed to improvement. Knowledge generation is not an end in itself” Molteberg and Bergtrom

3. Our vision is a world in which poverty does not exist, social justice prevails and sustainable growth promotes human wellbeing. We believe that generating, mobilising and sharing knowledge, through research, teaching and communications, plays a key part in realising this vision.

4. Factors affecting research uptake Political context and power relationships Gaps between researchers and research users Southern research capacity Research uptake and changes in people’s lives Effective research communication Character and credibility of evidence

5. What is research communications? Research communication is defined as the ability to interpret or translate complex research findings into language, format and context that non experts can understand. It is not just about dissemination of research results and is unlike marketing that simply promotes a product. Research communications must address the needs of those who will use the research or benefit from it.

7. Use of plain language

8. Making information accessible

9. Tailored communications for different audiences

10. Identification of the needs of the target groups:Consider technical barriers, language and cultural factors etc

11. Links between researchers and research users Knowledge producers: Academics, researchers Knowledge intermediaries: Journalists, bloggers, consultants, academics, comms specialists, NETWORKS Knowledge users: Policy makers, politicians, NGOs, communities Policy & practice change and impact on people’s lives

12. Communication not as Dissemination… but as engagement

13. Research Communications – a Network of Participants and Beneficiaries Researchers Journalists Donors NGOs and practitioners Civil society organisations Policy makers Governments Individual beneficiaries All have different communication needs!

14. ‘Communication’ throughout research project Informing: Research agenda Methodological choices Comms strategy

16. Identification of audiences – who do we want to influence/inform and what do we know about them?

17. How can we involve intended users of research from beginning?

18. Who is best placed to communicate with each of the identified target audiences and what are the appropriate communication pathways?

19. Timescale – When will be the best time to influence policy/practice?