Dissemination & impact: let your research matter

A publication is a beginning, not an end. Research that isn't communicated rarely matters beyond its own field.

Tailor the message to the audience

Peers, practitioners, decision-makers and the public need different versions of the same finding. A conference talk, an op-ed, a policy brief and a social-media post each have their own form and language. Translating research without wrongly oversimplifying it is a skill in itself.

Use the channels that exist

Conferences and seminars build networks; research databases and open archives (such as your institution's repository) increase visibility; op-eds in Norwegian media and posts on LinkedIn reach wider. Open access and good keywords ensure the work is actually found and cited.

Plan for dissemination from the start, not as an afterthought. A project designed for impact reaches further than one designed only for publication.

Document the impact

Funders and institutions increasingly ask about impact: citations, uptake in practice, media coverage, changed policy. Keep track of where and how your work is used. It strengthens both your own career and your next application — and shows the research has value beyond the publication list.

Common pitfalls

• Using the same jargon for every audience.
• Treating dissemination as an afterthought.
• Not documenting how the work is used.

Ready to move on when…

• The message is tailored to different audiences.
• You use relevant channels and open access.
• The impact is documented along the way.