In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on open access and preservation of research papers and supplemental data. This is a positive development that has allowed for greater accessibility and transparency in the academic world. However, in the midst of this focus on open access, there is another crucial aspect that often gets overlooked – the curation of communication outputs aimed at engaging non-academic audiences.
The importance of engaging non-academic audiences cannot be overstated. As researchers, our work has the potential to impact not just the academic community, but also the wider society. It is our responsibility to ensure that our findings are effectively communicated to those who can benefit from them. This includes policymakers, practitioners, and the general public.
One of the key reasons for this increased focus on curating communication outputs is the growing recognition of the long-term impact of research. In the past, the impact of research was often measured by the number of citations it received within the academic community. However, this narrow approach fails to capture the full potential of research to bring about positive change in society. By engaging non-academic audiences, we can ensure that our research has a lasting impact beyond the academic realm.
Moreover, in today’s digital age, there are numerous platforms available for researchers to communicate their work to a wider audience. From social media to blogs and podcasts, there are endless opportunities to engage with non-academic audiences. However, with this increased accessibility comes the need for proper curation and preservation of these communication outputs.
One of the main challenges in curating communication outputs is the lack of guidelines and standards. Unlike research papers, there is no established format for communicating with non-academic audiences. This can lead to a lack of consistency and quality in the communication of research findings. Therefore, it is essential for researchers to pay equal attention to the curation of their communication outputs as they do to their research papers.
Proper curation of communication outputs also ensures that the information remains accurate and up-to-date. As research evolves and new findings emerge, it is important to update and maintain the communication outputs to reflect these changes. This not only ensures the credibility of the research but also allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the topic for non-academic audiences.
In addition, curating communication outputs can also help bridge the gap between academia and the wider society. Often, research findings can be complex and difficult for non-academic audiences to understand. By curating the communication outputs, researchers can break down their findings into more digestible and relatable forms, making it easier for non-academic audiences to engage with the research.
Furthermore, curating communication outputs can also lead to increased collaboration and partnerships between researchers and non-academic stakeholders. By effectively communicating their work, researchers can attract the attention of policymakers, practitioners, and other organizations who may be interested in collaborating or implementing the research findings in their work. This can lead to a more impactful and sustainable use of research in addressing real-world issues.
In conclusion, while the focus on open access and preservation of research papers and data is crucial, it is equally important to pay attention to the curation of communication outputs aimed at engaging non-academic audiences. As researchers, we have a responsibility to ensure that our work has a lasting impact beyond the academic realm. By effectively communicating our findings to non-academic audiences, we can bridge the gap between academia and society and bring about positive change in the world. Let us not overlook the power of communication in achieving our research goals and creating a better future for all.
