Principles for effective research communication

When your work is accessible, equitable, and engaging, it helps shape conversations, inform decisions, and build the trust that underpins lasting societal change. Communicating your research well can deliver a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Keeping your research community informed and connected
• Creating opportunities for collaboration and partnership
• Building awareness and understanding of your work
• Enhancing your professional reputation and the visibility of your research
• Supporting the public to make informed choices
• Involving and empowering the communities most affected by your research

The way you communicate can expand both the reach and the relevance of your research. Thoughtful communication helps your work connect with different audiences, spark dialogue, and create pathways to impact. Below are some key principles that can help you communicate more effectively and maximise the impact of your research:

• Equitable: Share your research in ways that are inclusive and accessible, for example, using plain language, alternative formats, or translations when appropriate.
• Reciprocal: Engage with stakeholders to create a two-way flow of knowledge. Listen actively, invite feedback, and build opportunities for dialogue.
• Audience-centred: Avoid assumptions about what people know; tailor your messages to the interests, experiences, and needs of your audiences.
• Collaborative: Work with others in your team, community, or network who bring complementary skills and perspectives.
• Context-aware: Consider the cultural, social, or political environment your research sits within and how this shapes communication choices.

While the principles above provide a foundation, it can be helpful to have some practical strategies to draw on. These tips offer simple, effective ways to make your communication clearer, more engaging, and better aligned with the needs of your audiences.

• Use visuals to simplify complexity: Diagrams, infographics, animations, or short videos can help convey complex concepts more clearly than text alone.
• Share updates throughout the research process: Communicate not only your final findings but also milestones, challenges, and progress along the way to keep audiences engaged.
• Craft a one-sentence summary: Prepare a concise version of your research that you can adapt for different audiences (sometimes called an 'elevator pitch').
• Test your message: Run your communication past a colleague, friend, or community member outside your field to see if it lands clearly.
• Mix your channels: Use a variety of formats (e.g. presentations, blogs, podcasts, community forums, social media) to reach different audiences.
• Invite interaction: Build in opportunities for questions, feedback, or dialogue rather than only broadcasting information.
• Tailor your tone and framing: Think about whether an audience needs reassurance, inspiration, or practical application, and adjust your message accordingly.
• Highlight relevance: Emphasise why your research matters, whether it’s solving a problem, addressing a need, or contributing to future opportunities.
• Acknowledge uncertainty: Being open about limitations or areas of ongoing inquiry can build trust and credibility.
• Show the people behind the research: Human stories, lived experiences, and real-world examples make your work more relatable.

Communicate your research centred around engagement by using this guide from the Overseas Development Institute. The guide has a 4-step plan that includes:

• Evaluating your audience: information should be tailored and adapted to different audiences.
• Creating a successful and strong message: identify your key message and make it stick.
• Plan your outcome and activities: these activities should be done to engage stakeholders, build trust and increase impact.
• Present your research: presenting is an important part of communication. Do a clear, accessible, and structured presentation.

Media advisers

Journalists and mainstream media outlets play an essential role in relaying complex information in a relatable fashion to the public. Your first port of call should be the University's media adviser team. They offer advice and support for media engagement.

The team also offer media training workshops promoted through your faculty and large-scale research institutes to gain practical tips for emerging and mid-career academics.

Science Media Centre

The Science Media Centre works with both scientists and the media to distribute and report the latest news within the community, in a factual manner.

Media platforms

The University has partnerships with key media platforms:

• Newsroom
• The Conversation

Talk with your media adviser about the best way to tell the story of your research.

Mātātaki, The Challenge

Mātātaki, The Challenge is a University initiative that presents stories about our researchers about shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Aotearoa New Zealand and the planet.

Public Health Communication Centre (PHCC)

Public Health Communication Centre (PHCC)

• The Briefing
  If your research covers public health or social determinants of health, write a briefing for the PHCC to gain a wider audience and potential media coverage of your work.
• For Researchers
  Read more about working with the PHCC.

• Science communication laundromat
  A set of tools to help you build your research communication skills.
  This project has ‘spun out’ of PhD research by Jo Bailey.
• Free online science communication course
  Te Herenga Waka offers a 10-hour online course to help you develop your research communication skills.

Research Impact Team
Email: researchimpact@auckland.ac.nz