The research isn’t done until it’s communicated…
11 Mar 2026
Top tips and resources from this year’s Research Communications Conference – opened with a keynote speech by Duncan Ivison on delivering our Manchester 2035 strategy.
“The science isn’t done until it’s communicated,” is how Professor Jo Pennock approaches her work as a research lead in Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine.
That was one of the top tips she and our highly experienced panel gave delegates at this year’s Research Communications Conference.
Jo later explained that the quote had originally come from Mark Walport, former CEO of the Wellcome Trust, but it was applicable to all research.
Until the right people know about your work, it won’t have all the impact it could have. Which is why our research community does its work in the first place.
And as our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison reminded us in his opening speech, Research excellence to impact is one of the leaps in our strategy, From Manchester for the world.
More top tips…
The panel – led by Dr Suzanne Johnson, Social Responsibility Lead for the Division of Cancer Sciences – had many more tips for their fellow researchers:
- Speaking to local radio – seen by many people as a knowledgeable, trustworthy friend – could be “joyful” and allow you to explain your work properly, said Alice Larkin, Professor in Climate Science & Energy Policy and Co-Director of Sustainable Futures.
- And media training was hugely helpful when facing the other end of the scale: a rather polarised debate on BBC R4’s flagship Today programme.
- Alice also recommended an early conversation with our communications teams, to build relationships and plan for engaging the right people, before the end of project when researchers often faced a loss of capacity.
- Similarly, she said, expose yourself to expertise and communications tools and resources to upskill early in your career.
- Truly engaging content created by communications teams could better engage audiences for events, as well as research findings, said Dr Jasmin Ramovic, researching Peace and Conflict Studies, who found that out with a trailer celebrating 40 Years of the International Peace Lecture.
- Jasmin added that the social media team helped him take out academic jargon to engage various audiences and translate his team’s work.
- Jo recalled how a press release about treating eczema was picked up by the NHS and then patients on social media, leading to further research data.
- And she reminded delegates that REF 2029 had removed the 2* threshold so you can use public engagement – the “slow burn” of creating a community project, having impact and then communicating it would be worth your while.
- Communications teams can help you use new, innovative ways of reaching people, such as podcasts that trade audiences recognise and trust.
- Kate Tidman, Research Communications Manager for FBMH, explained that teams would also help researchers identify the “nugget of human interest” that would engage various audiences on various channels, including researchers' preferences: “You're the experts in your field and we're the experts in ours.”
Last line of truth…
There was also a galvanising keynote speech from Fiona Fox, Director of the Science Media Centre, an independent press office that seeks the best evidence and expertise when science hits the headlines and connects that to the news media.
A limit on donations maintains its independence and impartiality and its database of experts is a safe space for academics, who are given plenty of support, making the charity a much-needed trusted voice.
“We are the last line of truth,” Fiona said. “If you don't speak, someone else with less knowledge and less experience than you will.”
She reminded delegates that most of the public are reasonable and want proper advice from genuine experts. Plus, should you work with the SMC, potential collaborators and partners will see your work.
More guidance, resources and inspiration…
The latest guidance, support and inspiration from the conference – including support from our media relations and social media teams, and how to get support and publish on The Conversation – will be added to our Promoting Your Research website in the next two weeks.
In the meantime, there’s lots of resources from previous events as well as our handy Researcher Visibility Checklist, helping you find quick wins and slow burn profile building, depending on your time commitment, at: