As a researcher, you are very knowledgeable about your field. You can talk to your colleagues and mentors about your research. You know how to write a grant proposal or a journal article that will be read and understood by your peers. But could you explain your research to, say, your 12-year-old nephew? Would your Aunt Helen understand what you do? Whether you’re just starting your research career or you have been a part of the research community for many years, you may find it challenging to share the results of your research with a wide audience that includes people who may not be scientists or may not be familiar with your field.
Why is this skill so important? Because people need to understand the basics of science to make informed decisions about everything from their health to the changing environment. However, communicating science to the general public may not come easily to people trained in research methods and statistical analyses. According to researchers from Stanford University, scientists usually receive no explicit training in how to communicate scientific concepts to the average reader (1). They’re used to talking to people in their own field. They may rely heavily on jargon or industry terms, or assume that “everyone knows what an ergometer does.”
As a member of the disability and rehabilitation research community, you want to share your work with the people who need it most. That includes caregivers, service providers, and individuals with disabilities who may or may not understand that jargon. So how do you present to them so they can understand and use your research? Communicating science is a skill that can be learned, and there are tools, resources, and organizations available to help you learn how to craft your message and get it out to the people who need it.
Get to know the NIDILRR-funded Knowledge Translation projects
NIDILRR funds several centers to build the capacity of NIDILRR grantees to engage in knowledge translation (KT), bridging the gap between research and practice in disability and rehabilitation. Each center focuses on an area of disability and rehabilitation research, and provides tools, training, and technical assistance.
The Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR) helps researchers and developers to reach across the gap and connect the disability and rehabilitation community to their work. The purpose of the Center is to make it easier to find, understand, and use the results of research that can make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Among their resources you’ll find a Plain Language Summary Tool , an annual KT conference (October) plus archives of webcasts and conference presentations on knowledge translation, and much more.
The ADA National Network also has a Knowledge Translation Center (ADA-KTC) works with the 10 regional ADA centers on increasing awareness and utilization of research findings by appropriate stakeholder groups. Visit their ADA Success Stories page to see how they present successful efforts at increasing access across the US.
The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) summarizes research, identifies health information needs, and develops information resources to support the Model Systems programs in meeting the needs of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and burn injury. Explore their Knowledge Translation Toolkit including writing for specific audiences, using social media, creating infographics, and engaging the media and policy makers.
The Initiative to Mobilize Partnerships for successful Assistive teChnology Transfer (IMPACT) project addresses the barriers, facilities, and factors associated with assistive technologies (ATs), and successful AT technology transfer (ATTT). This project develops tools and approaches to streamline and improve the efficiency of ATTT for people with disabilities in the U.S. and worldwide. Specifically, this project conducts research and development projects to comprehensively understand barriers and facilitators to successful ATTT, track the activities regarding the ATTT success rate of NIDILRR-funded projects, and increase capacity of NIDILRR grantees to perform successful ATTT through training and technical assistance.
The NARIC collection includes many publications, from journal articles to multimedia items, on knowledge translation. Browse through the abstracts.
Outside the NIDILRR community, there are many organizations and online resources to help learn how to share your research.
Communicating and Engaging with the Public
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) runs the Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology which is dedicated to “providing scientists and scientific institutions with the resources they need to have meaningful conversations with the public.” They have numerous resources, including an online discussion forum and a Communication Toolkit
The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science hosts multiple events, offers tools and resources, and has an annual course on media writing for scientists.
Check out Effective Communication, Better Science, a blog post at Scientific American published in 2015 with great resources (courses, toolkits, articles) that are still relevant for scientists of all stripes.
National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published a report on Communicating Science Effectively.
NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison Clear Communication Program offers resources for scientists communicating with a range of stakeholders.
The US Government’s Plain Language.gov website focuses on improving clear communication from the Federal Government to the public. The site offers tips and tools primarily for Federal agencies, but which you may find helpful in developing your writing style.
Using Social Media
Should scientists use social media? Why not! Many scientists use it to share their findings and to network with other scientists in their field.
If you’re a NIDILRR grantee, tell us your handles so we can add them to our growing list of grantees who use social media.
Make Impactful Presentations
TED Talks may be the most famous venue for engaging a wide audience and getting them interested in what you do. TED Talks and TEDx Talks (affiliated but not organized by TED) are known for being hip and cool, where presenters “talk nerdy,” ideally without getting too bogged down in jargon or complex concepts. TED Talks are relatively short (5 to 15 minutes), are given without a podium, and may include slides or other visual aids. Learn how to organize a TEDx event and check out this TED Blog article 6 Tips for Scientists and Engineers.
Even shorter than TED is The Three Minute Thesis (3MT). 3MT started at the University of Queensland in Australia as a competition for PhD candidates. Now held in universities around the world, the competition “cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Competitors are allowed one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props.” Think of it like the trailer for a TED talk!
In addition to these resources, your university may have a media or public relations department which can assist with developing press releases and blog posts. If your university has a journalism program, see if they offer writing courses for scientists and other non-journalists. Finally, schedule a visit with one of your university’s librarians who can point you to resources in their collection. You can develop the skills needed to get your research into the community, where it can have its greatest impact.
Looking forward to your next TED Talk!
(1) Sara E. Brownell, Jordan V. Price, and Lawrence Steinman. (2013) Science Communication to the General Public: Why We Need to Teach Undergraduate and Graduate Students this Skill as Part of Their Formal Scientific Training. Journal of Undergraduate Science Education, 12(1), E6-E10.