Communications Corner
Introduction
The true test of development research is whether people use it: for reference, for influence and, most importantly, for change.
Communications is a vital tool in getting research into use.
The Communications Corner presents a range of materials which are useful for researchers, communications staff, and policy analysts who are interested in all aspects of research communications.
DFID COMMITMENT TO COMMUNICATING RESEARCH
DFID currently spends 15% of its annual budget on funding research through Research Programme Consortia (RPCs). Each RPC is asked to develop a Communications Strategy, and to spend a minimum of 10% of the overall budget on communicating its research, as described in the strategy.
Most RPCs nominate a Communications Officer, or research staff with responsibility for designing and implementing communications activities.
A handful of key documents and websites have proven useful in thinking through the design of communication strategies. These include the DFID Research Communication Guidance Notes.
Each RPC reflects on their research communication activities and their resulting impact in research use, in their Annual Reports. Lessons learned about insights into the art and science of research communication are shared here.