The rise of technology and the internet over recent years has been weird and wonderful. The world as we know it has become a much more interconnected place, and that can only be a good thing. But, how can you as a researcher now utilise this change in times, to ensure your research effectively reaches a wider audience? Luckily for you, we’re here to help.
IBM released the world’s first ever hard drive back in 1956, containing only 5 MB of data and weighing in at over a ton. That’d be enough data for just one MP3 song in today’s world.
Nowadays, you can get 32 GB USB sticks smaller than your thumb, going to show just how crazy the technological world we live in has become. Couple that with the growth of the internet over recent years, and it’s easy to see why so many people struggle to comprehend how technology and the internet have become such a huge part of modern-day life.
It’s hard to keep up – especially for you as a researcher. Long gone are the days where you’d write up your work by hand and submit it to your local library. In fact, you’d look pretty odd doing that nowadays.
So, how can you utilise these technological platforms to ensure that your research is being seen, heard and – perhaps most importantly – understood by the masses? Well, have no fear, we’re here to help. Here are just a few ideas to think about when communicating your research directly to the public online.
Analogies
Using analogies is a fantastic way to break down complex processes, and simplify them into a more understandable and relatable topic. For example, cancer research could be analogised by relating metastasis to being on a train, highlighting how tumours can transport themselves around the body from one major organ to another. Clichéd as it might sound, try to think around your research, explaining it in a simpler form that makes sense to somebody without a scientific background.
Context
You may be an expert in your field of research, but the general public are not. Many people appreciate how important research is, but struggle understanding why it relates to them. Therefore, try to put your research into context and explain it in a way that has a relevance to the public. If you are investigating a certain mechanism in a specific form of brain disease, explain what benefits your research will bring and provide useful statistics about how impactful your work can be.
Social media
No doubt about it, social media really is the best method for reaching the public directly. Whether it be through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other platform, social media is highly effective at engaging the public with news and stories whenever they want, wherever they are in the world.
Supporting media
Videos and animations have established themselves as one of the most effective ways to quickly engage an audience. People often don’t have time to read articles nowadays and lose attention very quickly. So, why not produce a short video or animation to explain your work instead? This will not only improve your presence online, but, coupled with an effective social media campaign, will also help your research reach a wider range of people.
Still feeling confused? No problem – here at Research Features we’re here to help. Why not get in touch with us at researchfeatures.com and we’ll help take your work to the next level. Find out more about Research Features Magazine and read real Research Features Magazine reviews here.