Research Dissemination Beyond Academic Publications - Sponsored by the Asia Chapter

The ultimate goal of the development of knowledge is to improve the society. In order for that to take place, we need evident-based policy, crafted through the involvement of science and technology. In short, a good policy has to be knowledge-based. Having said this, academics and researchers have to ensure that knowledges they have produced through systematic academic process are well taken into account in a policy making. In other words, new knowledges have to be accessible by policy makers. On the other hands, consuming quality works in academic publications such as academic journals, and conference proceedings is generally not the habit of policy makers, for one reason or two. Hence, dissemination of new knowledge only through academic publications is inadequate for the new knowledge to reach policy makers. This talk explores possibilities of academic research to be disseminate through various media beyond academic publications to reach greater audiences, including particularly policy makers. It will start by illustrating the journey of data transforming into information to form knowledge and then play important roles in policy making. The change of people’s behaviour in securing information amid the flood of information through the emergence of alternative media will also be highlighted. Having explored the aforementioned, the talk will offer insights on how academics and researchers need to adapt to ensure that the knowledge they have produced can maintain their roles in policy making. Disseminating their findings and knowledge beyond academic publications such as social and other popular media will be presented. Instead of focusing on theoretical aspects, the presenter will share his reasonably extensive experience in using social media in disseminating academic contents. He will also share relevant strategies and approaches, highlight advantages and disadvantages, and provide some lessons learnt for audiences as references.

Learning Objectives:
1. Revisiting the principle of evident-based policy making and the roles of scientific research behind it

2. Understanding different channels for dissemination of scientific findings and their respective advantages and disadvantages

3. Understanding appropriate strategies and approach in the utilisation of social and other popular media in disseminating research findings beyond academic publications.