Theme: Sharing Research Effectively and Making a Lasting Contribution
Duration: 1 week (self-paced)
Level: MA / MSc / Early PhD Preparation
Format: Fully self-directed, no external sources required
🔷 13.1 Purpose of This Module
This module empowers researchers to go beyond simply writing a thesis. It explores how to publish, present, and publicly engage with academic and non-academic audiences. It also covers how to track and communicate the impact of your work.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Understand the key channels for disseminating research
- Identify and plan routes to academic and non-academic audiences
- Write abstracts and proposals for publication or presentation
- Define and measure types of research impact
- Strategise for longer-term academic or social contribution
📖 13.2 What Is Dissemination in Research?
Dissemination means actively sharing your research findings with those who can use, apply, or benefit from them—within or beyond academia.
Dissemination is intentional, not accidental. It should be planned, audience-specific, and aligned with your research goals.
📦 13.3 Dissemination Pathways
A. Academic Dissemination
| Method | Audience | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Peer-reviewed journals | Scholars and researchers | Journal of Educational Technology |
| Academic conferences | Scholars, postgraduate peers | British Educational Research Association (BERA) |
| University repositories | General academic public | Upload thesis via institutional portal |
B. Professional Dissemination
| Method | Audience | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Policy briefs | Policymakers | Summary of impact on education policy |
| Workshops and CPD | Teachers, healthcare workers, NGO staff | Training based on research findings |
| Professional newsletters | Practitioners | Newsletter article in Social Work Now |
C. Public Dissemination
| Method | Audience | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Blog posts / social media | General public or niche groups | Blog on AI and writing ethics |
| Media interviews | Journalists, radio, podcasts | Interview about findings on student wellbeing |
| Public talks | Community groups, schools | Local library talk on tech and learning |
✅ Choose your platform based on:
- Who needs the findings?
- How can they apply them?
- What format is accessible for them?
🧠 13.4 Writing for Dissemination
A. Abstracts and Proposals
Abstracts are short, formal summaries used in journals, conferences, and grant applications.
| Component | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Background | Brief context of the issue |
| Aim | Research aim and questions |
| Method | Summary of design and approach |
| Results | Key findings (or anticipated) |
| Implications | Why the research matters |
Example (200 words abstract):
This study investigates how postgraduate students interact with AI-based writing tools in higher education. Using a qualitative approach, twelve in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. Findings reveal both academic benefits—such as idea generation—and ethical concerns around authorship and dependency. The study contributes to discussions on digital literacy, academic integrity, and policy development.
B. Writing for Policy or Practice
Aim for clarity, brevity, and actionability.
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Key Messages | 3–5 bullet points with takeaways |
| Background | One paragraph of context |
| Findings | Plain language summary |
| Recommendations | Specific actions for stakeholders |
✅ Avoid jargon and citations—be practical and direct.
📊 13.5 Research Impact: What It Is and Why It Matters
Impact is the change, benefit, or influence your research has outside the academic system.
Types of Impact:
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | Influences future research | Cited in later journal articles |
| Policy | Affects laws, guidelines, or decisions | Brief used by local council |
| Professional | Improves practice in a field | Training developed from study findings |
| Societal | Benefits public understanding or behaviour | Public talks or blogs about AI use |
| Economic | Saves money or adds value | Improves retention, lowering dropout costs |
✅ Impact can be immediate (conference interest) or long-term (policy adoption 3 years later).
🔧 13.6 Self-Learning Task Set (Independent Exercises)
✍️ TASK 1: Draft a Research Dissemination Plan
Write a 250–300 word plan outlining:
- Who needs to know your findings?
- What platform(s) will you use to share them?
- What format will be most effective?
- How will you time your dissemination?
Example:
My research explores mental health support among international students. Key audiences include university well-being services, student support officers, and mental health charities. I plan to create a short policy brief and a PowerPoint workshop for university staff, supported by a blog for students. I will begin dissemination after data analysis in September, targeting the autumn training schedule.
📚 TASK 2: Write a Journal Article Abstract
Write a 200–250 word abstract of your study suitable for a journal submission.
✅ Include aim, method, results, and significance.
✅ Keep it formal, clear, and concise.
🗣 TASK 3: Create a Presentation Outline
Build a 7–slide structure for a short research presentation (7–10 minutes).
| Slide | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Title and your name/institution |
| 2 | Research question and rationale |
| 3 | Methods and approach |
| 4 | Key findings |
| 5 | Implications |
| 6 | Limitations or next steps |
| 7 | Thank you + Q&A prompt |
✅ Add 1–2 bullet points per slide as notes.
📊 TASK 4: Define and Measure Impact
Pick your current or proposed research and complete this table:
| Impact Type | Description | Potential Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | Cited in other research | Citation count, journal downloads |
| Policy | Used in policy or institutional change | Quoted in report, brief sent |
| Societal | Raised public awareness | Blog shares, event attendance |
| Professional | Changed practice | Workshop feedback, training uptake |
✅ Choose at least 3 indicators relevant to your project.
🔍 13.7 Summary of Key Takeaways
- Dissemination is how you share your research meaningfully
- Different audiences require different formats and tones
- Writing abstracts and briefs are key professional skills
- Impact is not only academic—social and policy changes count
- Good dissemination requires planning early, not just post-submission
✅ End-of-Module Self-Evaluation Checklist
| Concept | Yes / No |
|---|---|
| I identified audiences and methods for sharing my research | ☐ |
| I wrote a draft abstract or proposal | ☐ |
| I created a short presentation structure | ☐ |
| I identified and planned for research impact | ☐ |
| I understand how dissemination extends the life of research | ☐ |