Practical Guide 7: Dissemination and use of research results
On this page, you will find the section 'Practical Guide 7' which deals with the dissemination and use of research results.
We have processes in place to ensure that children and their families, as well as professionals, are supported at all stages of the research process.
We aim to ensure that children and their families play a central role as both research participants and, where appropriate, as co-researchers, that their views are respected and their voices heard throughout the research process.
This guide aims to provide suggestions for the dissemination of research findings. Dissemination of research is a responsibility of all researchers, with a focus on reaching the audiences that will benefit from the research. It is important that dissemination takes place so that as many people as possible have access to the results, such as research participants, families/professionals, affected organizations, policy makers and health care providers. Dissemination is also a condition of some funding organizations.
Planning for dissemination of research results
Dissemination works best when it is planned from the beginning of the project. Therefore, it is wise to develop a publication plan or strategy together with the whole research team for this.
This plan needs to be reviewed regularly as the research being carried out may change over time.
Different publication opportunities need to be considered, not only for the scientific results (scientific journals) and conferences, but also for the dissemination to children and their families, professionals, authorities, schools or other activities that may benefit from the results.
Content of a dissemination plan?
Making a dissemination plan can facilitate the implementation of research into practice.
A plan involves the following:
- Research results - what will be disseminated?
- Who will benefit - to whom (children, families, professionals) will it apply or who will put it into practice?
- Dissemination partners - through which individuals, organizations and networks can the results be disseminated? Advisory group members (reference groups) have a really important role here.
- Communication - how will research results be communicated?
- Dissemination work plan - where to start?
Forms of dissemination
Written information
- Articles / newspapers / reports
- Book chapters
- Newsletters
- Web pages
- Social media sites
- Blogs
- Policy documents
Oral information
- Public lectures
- Presentations at conferences
- Popular science presentations for relevant audiences
- Social media, (Youtube), Film
- Seminars
Visual presentations
- Poster presentations
- Exhibitions
- Video presentations
- Powerpoint presentations
Other dissemination opportunities
- Art and cultural activities (games, dance, poetry, music)
Who should we disseminate the results to? Are there different target groups?
It is important to first identify the target group(s) and then consider how best to communicate the results. Being clear about the needs, abilities and interests of the target group(s). To gain knowledge and insight on this, participants from the specific target groups can be consulted.
How to choose the right form for disseminating research results?
- Identify the target group/targets
- Consider the needs, abilities and interests of individuals
- Identify the key outcomes for specific target groups - it is likely that this may differ between groups, for example for children and their families, and professionals.
- What will have the most impact?
- Collaboration between researchers and target audience to determine ways to disseminate
- Customize based on the individual for example age/literacy and knowledge level
Rapid dissemination of results
Publishing in scientific journals takes time, therefore simpler reports or other dissemination opportunities can provide faster feedback to the target audience
Some of these include:
- blogs
- social media
- websites
- YouTube
- newsletters
- conferences
- presentations
- workshops
When considering using these faster ways of disseminating research results, it is important to consider the impact of using these on future publication in journals, chapters, formal written reports and so on.
Dissemination methods
Dissemination is essentially of two types, in scientific reports and popular science texts and activities together with the group with which the research is carried out.
The output of the research is focused on translating knowledge into effective communication tools and disseminating them to a specific audience and presenting finalized results. These come after the research is completed.
Integrated approaches allow for more innovation and are effective in being implemented in activities and with target groups that the research concerns.
In any research project it is important to determine resources for dissemination as some dissemination opportunities can be expensive and require specific expertise (videos, films, exhibitions) think about the resource implications. It is important that it is strategic in order for the results to reach as many people as possible within the respective target groups (e.g. book launches at conferences, workshops, policy meetings).
Participants (children and families, professionals) in the research project can be helpful in writing and reviewing the research based on their interest and daily life. They can also provide ideas for dissemination by informing the research team about upcoming events and activities, newsletters and opportunities to connect with organizations and networks.
