Insights into more effective communications and knowledge translation
For more than a decade, I’ve worked closely with academics, mostly in the health space. I’ve worked on grants, communications, and knowledge translation. I’ve reviewed hundreds of funding applications. I’ve consulted with academics making decisions about the best language and avenues to disseminate their research. I’ve managed speaker series and organized forums.
And over this time, I’ve been able to gain some important insights. In today’s post, I’ll share one of these insights.
Researchers are told to engage in knowledge translation; in some cases it is a requirement of their funding. But most are not given the information they need to adequately plan and budget for knowledge translation activities.
How much does it cost to hire a graphic designer? And what should you expect from their services?
How far in advance should you plan and promote a community event?
Should you set up a social media channel? Why?
What audience actually needs to know about your research?
How much time is enough time for your event? And who should be invited?
These are important questions, and should ideally be explored as early as possible, so that your team is set up for success.
Likewise, once it’s time to deliver on your communications and KT, bringing in an expert can help you to have the best outcomes from your efforts. Your research is grounded in evidence; your communications and KT efforts should be too. So what are my recommendations?
Start with why! Simon Sinek was on to something. Starting with the purpose of your communications and KT work, and continuing to ask why until you get to the core, will help to ensure your efforts are truly addressing the problem you’re trying to solve.
Talk to an expert. Maybe your institution offers support in this area. Maybe you can hire someone externally. This could include anything from a one-hour discovery session to help you get started, or a comprehensive contract from brainstorming to implementation.
Where possible, collaborate! I’ll address this more in a future post, but working together with research, community, and other partners will help your communications and KT efforts to go farther and to be more effective.
Do less. It’s tempting to try to do it all. But I promise that narrowing your focus and doing it well will be more effective than a scattershot approach that leaves you scrambling.
Regardless of where you’re at in your journey, Good Fruit Consulting can help. Ready to talk? Book a 30-minute introductory call to see how we can help.