As a researcher, getting your research published in a top journal is like having a dream fulfilled. But what if your research does not create the impact it is supposed to? How do you ensure that your findings reach the right audience and contribute to science advancements? This is where dissemination of research plays a key role.  

Why Disseminating Research Findings Matters

Research dissemination is no longer optional, but a mandatory plan that should be set in place as part of your publication journey. As an author, you will see that disseminating research findings has several benefits. 

1. Expand your audience reach. 

When you publish your paper in a journal, it helps you reach your peers in academic circles. However, casting a broader net helps you reach the public, policymakers, and other professionals in your field. This in turn builds your network, contributing to your professional development. 

 2. Step-up research understanding. 

Reading and consuming a full-length research paper may not be everyone’s cup of tea. So, simplifying complex data through creative ways, such as graphical abstracts, video summaries, and other accessible formats, can help non-experts comprehend your research better. Remember, your research shows true impact not when the findings are simply reported, but when the audience correctly understands them! 

3. Incite action in the right direction. 

Once the audience grasps your research, it can soon inspire action or even lead to new research directions. For instance, policymakers may choose to implement your suggestions and verify that your methods indeed work in the real world. This validates your research findings and helps build your credibility in the field. 

Effective Methods for Disseminating Research Findings

There are several creative ways to disseminate research findings, varying from formal presentations to short-form content on social media platforms.  

Conferences and workshops

Attending conferences is a great way to build your network. But it can do more than that. Look for opportunities to present your findings at academic conferences or workshops. You may have to prepare visual aids, slides, or posters to adhere to conference presentation guidelines. Nevertheless, it is an excellent chance to talk about your research.  

Blogs

Starting a blog or even taking part in conversations on different blog sites is a great way to communicate with people about your research. If you want to follow blogs by academics, consider looking at The Research Whisperer, Researcher.Life, Paperpal, or The Retraction Watch. You can also have a blog of your own on content platforms such as WordPress and Blogger, where you can freely talk about your latest research publications, projects, or any other ongoing work related to your research discipline.  

Social media platforms

Disseminating research findings on digital platforms requires attention to specific details. For instance, platforms such as X and Instagram are more oriented towards short-form content or live updates, whereas a platform like LinkedIn would require you to take a more formal approach. 

• X (formerly Twitter)
  Having an active X account can be a game-changer in promoting your research and connecting with academics and scholars of your field from around the world. When disseminating research, use appropriate hashtags in your post to maximize your audience reach. You can also post about conferences, if you are attending one or presenting at one, using their hashtags to widen your network.
• Instagram
  Mainly popular for reels, Instagram has over a billion active users every day! But what sort of academic content works on this platform? Go for short video abstracts or graphical abstracts that summarize your research in an eye-catching manner. Use visually appealing images and clips to convey what your research talks about and how the findings can benefit the community. You can provide links to your research papers in the caption of the post or at the end of the video to encourage viewers to dive deeper into your research.
• LinkedIn
  LinkedIn is a great platform to highlight your achievements, accolades, publications, and blogs, which can help you collaborate with academics in your network. Respond to comments to keep the conversation about your research going. Also, utilize this platform to actively involve in others’ achievements. You can join professional groups to participate in conversations, which can increase your research’s visibility. 

Note: The use of hashtags is key on social media platforms. Recognize trending hashtags in the academic field (you may check tools like RiteTag) and use them suitably on different platforms. 

Sample Dissemination Plan

Having a template for a dissemination plan can be helpful. It starts with asking the right questions that are categorized into suitable sections, the answers to which strategically guide you through decision-making at various stages of your research dissemination. Here’s a template of a sample dissemination plan for you to get started. 

1. Title and Summary 

Title:  

Include a brief summary of 2 to 3 sentences with a concise description of the research and its key findings. 

2. Objectives  

What do you want to achieve with dissemination? (e.g., raise awareness, influence policy, engage the public.) 

3. Target Audiences 

Create a table to identify various target audiences and why/how your research should reach them. 

4. Resources Required 

• What will be the overall budget? 
• Do you need to learn new skills to use tools or platforms? 
• Is it feasible to outsource a few tasks to professionals or use their services (e.g., preparation of graphical and video abstracts)?  

5. Timeline 

Prepare a timeline with deadlines and milestones for various dissemination activities. Keep the timeline achievable and realistic and stick to completing the tasks on time to avoid work overloads.