Given the spread of misinformation online, it is incredibly important that academic research make a difference. However, it can often be difficult to make research engaging and visible to the public among the noise of the internet.
We explored how to improve and accelerate the mobilization and public take-up of academic research outcomes. As part of our SSHRC Insight Development Grant, Research Curation: Making A Difference, we conducted a series of research activities, including extensive social media and web communication experiments, a student survey on web use, a biodiversity conversation series, a Royal Roads Library Showcase exhibit and more.
Building upon contemporary museum and social media marketing best practices, we developed a framework for engaging audiences and presenting academic research outcomes online. Our user-friendly guide on academic research curation is now publically available as a web version or a downloadable PDF. It not only details how to develop a digital communication strategy but also how to use two museum frameworks for creating engaging web content. It also shares social media best practices and lessons learned while outlining effective ways to reformat research outcomes into a selection of engaging media formats.