Researchers urged to make academic work useful beyond journals

Research funded with public money should not remain hidden behind academic journals or expensive paywalls, the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED) says, urging researchers to communicate their findings in language that ordinary people can understand and use.

The workshop formed part of WAJESHA’s wider effort to help universities and research institutions communicate science and academic research in ways that can inform public understanding and policymaking.

The training began with a masterclass led by New Media Editor at WAJESHA, Daniel Abugri, who focused on identifying the news value within academic research and helping participants understand what makes a finding relevant to the public.