Unless research is seen and understood by the people who need to use it, even the best quality research simply sits on library shelves, read by just a handful of other scientists. Therefore, if a research project is to be successful,  a comprehensive, pragmatic approach is needed that can enable effective communication of the findings to diverse groups of people.

This manual provides guidance that can help effective communication with the full range of stakeholders. The manual is a compendium of ideas and guidance that can be used to develop strategies for communication and the final choice of dissemination methods and products.

The manual contains the following sections

1. Introduction

• The audience
• Using moderators or facilitators
• Improving communication and understanding
• Language of dissemination products

2. Preparation for production of dissemination products

• Complexity and formats of dissemination
• Identification of the most suitable dissemination products to be used in each Study Site
• Matching the complexity of dissemination products to the audience
• Writing for different audiences
  • All audiences
  • Writing purely for scientists
  • Writing for educated stakeholders
  • Writing for less knowledgeable stakeholders and members of the general public
  • Writing for schoolchildren and their teachers
  • Writing for administrators and politicians

3. Developing and using dissemination products with stakeholders

• Principles of stakeholder engagement
• Keeping stakeholders involved
• Developing dissemination products with stakeholders
• Planning to make communication and dissemination products
• Preparing the most suitable products for the intended audience
• Spreading dissemination products and messages far and wide
• Designing a web-based information system for dissemination
• Evaluation of dissemination products

4. Copyright and intellectual property

• The basic rules
• Cost-effective ways of promoting dissemination

Practical Notes 1: Stakeholder checklists
Practical Notes 2: Writing press releases
Practical Notes 3: Writing a policy brief
Practical Notes 4: Making video clips and video podcasts
Practical Notes 5: Making posters, fact sheets, booklets, brochures and PowerPoint presentations
Further reading