Reaching relevant audiences and determining what research is pertinent

Question 7

As an author, how useful do you think the following methods are in helping your research reach its intended audience?

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Question 8

What other ways do you use to help your research reach its intended audience?

This was an open question with responses highlighting a diverse range of methods researchers use to ensure their work reaches its intended audience. While traditional academic publishing remains crucial, researchers increasingly rely on digital platforms, social media, and direct engagement with both academic and non-academic audiences. The use of multimedia, clear communication strategies, and strategic collaborations further enhance the visibility and impact of research.

We can divide the strategies mentioned in two groups:

Key methods researchers use

1. Institutional Repositories and Academic Platforms:

   • Utilising university and research institute repositories and web pages for sharing research.

   • Leveraging platforms such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, SciProfiles, and Academia.edu for broader visibility.

2. Media and Public Engagement:

   • Engaging with the media to popularise research findings through interviews, articles, and reports.

   • Promoting research on personal blogs or websites.

   • Creating and sharing content on YouTube, podcasts, and other multimedia platforms.

3. Presentations and Events:

   • Presenting at conferences, seminars, workshops, public lectures, and keynote addresses to reach targeted audiences.

   • Organising workshops and seminars with target audiences, such as industry professionals and educators.

4. Collaboration:

   • Collaborating with other researchers and industry partners for broader impact.

5. Content Creation and Online Visibility:

   • Contributing to blogs and non-academic publications to reach a wider audience.

   • Utilising SEO techniques to improve the online visibility of research publications.

   • Writing accessible and clear abstracts and titles.

Unique and notable responses

1. Using Specific Platforms and Tools:

   • Depositing research on platforms like NASA ADS and CERN Inspires for specific fields such as Physics and Astronomy.

   • Publishing associated code and data on platforms like GitHub and Zenodo to facilitate reproducibility and further research.

2. Personal Touch and Networking:

   • Including research links in email signatures.

   • Building and maintaining personal research portfolios and websites.

3. Industry and Policy Engagement:

   • Creating executive summaries and policy briefs for stakeholders.

   • Collaborating with government agencies and NGOs for direct application of research findings.

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Question 9

As a reader, it may not be possible to read all the research that could be of relevance to you. You may want to focus your attention on the highest-quality research. In your opinion, how effective are the following criteria to identify high-quality research?

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Question 10

Do you use any other criteria to identify high-quality research? 

In this open question, respondents confirmed that traditional metrics like impact factor and citation counts are commonly used to identify high-quality research. However, they also rely on a broader set of criteria to identify high-quality research. Methodological rigor, practical impact, ethical considerations, and recommendations from peers are among the most valued factors. Personal judgment and critical reading continue to be crucial in evaluating the quality of research.

Details from the answers are available below.

Key methods researchers use

1. Methodological Rigor and Reproducibility:

   • Sound methodology and reproducibility by other researchers.

   • Completeness of the study and detailed methodology.

   • Quality of Statistical Analysis

2. Contribution to the Field:

   • A significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

   • Novelty and innovation in research.

3. Clarity and Coherence:

   • Well-written and logically organised research.

   • Quality of figures, text, and overall presentation.

4. Ethical Considerations:

   • Adherence to ethical guidelines and standards.

5. Recommendations and Peer Feedback:

   • Recommendations from trusted colleagues or experts in the field.

   • Discussions at conferences or on social media.

6. Practical Impact and Implementation:

   • Research adopted in practice or policy.

   • Practical applicability and real-world impact.

7. Community and Public Engagement:

   • Media coverage and public discussions about the research.

   • Involvement in public policy or societal debates.

8. Quality of References and Citations:

   • Comprehensive and relevant references.

   • Citation context and appropriateness.

   • Cross-referencing with other high-quality research.