APRU joins UN ESCAP, USAID, and UKRI highlighting importance of the dissemination of research outputs
October 27, 2019
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APRU took the opportunity to stress the importance of dissemination of research outputs and communication at the USAID, UN ESCAP and UKRI jointly organized 2nd Annual Workshop on Increasing Research Impact: Research Translation held Oct 21-22 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Designed for a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary audience, the workshop highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of researchers to translate research into action in South and Southeast Asia with a focus on Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

APRU Director for Policy & Programs, Christina Schönleber, warned of research losing value if not properly communicated to the intended audiences.

“Conducting research aimed at addressing key global challenges is only as useful as it can actually reach the decision-makers and influencers,” Schönleber said, speaking on a panel titled: Communicating Research for Impact in the South and South East Asia Region.

“Planned and focused dissemination is crucial and will need to be funded, resourced, and implemented accordingly,” she added.

Schönleber went on to demonstrate how experts from APRU’s leading university members collaborate on work by developing activities and projects with the aim to actively inform policy makers.

Within three years of network development with members and external partners upfront, three projects have been developed with the added capacity to disseminate results,  these projects entitled, “AI For Everyone, Transformation of Work in Asia-Pacific, and AI for Social Good” are all in different phases of development.

“Reflecting the importance of dissemination of outputs and communication, we contributed to major APEC policy reports and presented final project results at various APEC working groups,” Schönleber said.

The 2nd Annual Workshop on Increasing Research Impact: Research Translation facilitated peer-to-peer learning and exchange while creating a platform for participants to troubleshoot challenges and identify opportunities for effective research translation.

It showed many of the strategies, channels, and formats that participants have used for communicating research and what impact has been achieved in terms of policies and information adoption.

The workshop also identified platforms and partnerships that have facilitated research communication and dissemination.

Much of the workshop’s value derived from the wide range of perspectives, given that each of the participating individuals and organizations operate at different levels and with different types of information.