“Once upon a time, a conference presentation and publication in an academic journal were the extents of a researcher’s responsibility to share the results of their research. People assumed that those who could use the findings to make a difference would be actively looking for the latest information. They would know where to look, and when they came across the academic paper, they would have the time and knowledge to read and make sense of it.

We are increasingly recognising that most evidence users do not have the time and capacity to do this. Besides, research is often behind paywalls and inaccessible. In the words of Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, research is no use unless it gets to the people who can use it. As a research community, we need to do much more to communicate our research effectively.

Funders such as the UK’s NIHR are – unsurprisingly – placing increasing importance on effective dissemination. Creating open, fun, and accessible content is one approach.”

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