Bethany Knight is the University’s Research Dissemination Librarian. In this blog post she explains the importance of research dissemination and the resources she has created to guide you with this.
Something that can easily get overlooked during the PhD journey is research dissemination. Sounds a bit formal, but really, it’s just about making sure your research gets seen by the people who can actually use it.
Most of the time, we focus on sharing our research with academic audiences – through journal articles, conferences, or presentations. Whilst that’s great, effective dissemination goes beyond that. Think policymakers, practitioners, NGOs, and even the public. These are audiences who could really benefit from what you’ve discovered.
Why does this matter for PGRs?
Unlike senior researchers with long publication lists and high citation counts, PGRs are often just starting out. But by actively sharing our work, we can start building a track record of engagement that can help with job applications, funding, and building a narrative CV.
It’s also great practice. Talking about your research in different ways forces you to think about its relevance, improve your communication skills, and build your confidence. It’s not just about visibility – it’s part of your development as a researcher.
So… where to begin?
Start with a few simple questions:
- Who do you want to reach?
- What impact do you want to have?
- When should you start sharing?
If your aim is to reach other researchers and advance knowledge in your field, platforms like JiscMail, and academic blogs and websites can be great. Conferences, seminars, and mailing lists can also help you connect with experts you haven’t met yet.
But if your audience is outside academia, you’ll need to think a bit differently. Most people can’t access journal articles or institutional libraries. That’s where social media can come in handy – LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X are all useful platforms for sharing your research and building your academic profile. Creating accessible research summaries, infographics, and videos can really boost your reach on these platforms.
There are also lots of other ways to share your work more widely:
- Speaking at public events or panels
- Guesting on a podcast
- Write a blog post for a general audience
- Organise your own research event here at Exeter
Need some help?
As the University’s Research Dissemination Librarian, I have created a new comprehensive set of guidance to help you get started with sharing your research. It’s full of practical tips, useful resources, and contacts available to you to help plan an effective research dissemination strategy.
To see a brief overview of the guide’s contents, click here.
You can find the full guide on the RIME homepage or click here to check it out directly.