Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation of research are three interconnected concepts that play a crucial role in the research process and its impact on society. They set out a strategy to maximize the impact of the project, to increase its visibility, and to ensure that project output reaches a wider audience of relevant stakeholders by addressing following questions- For Whom (key audience), How (method), When (time), Why (purpose).

Let's break down each concept and understand its importance. Imagine a researcher who received a prestigious grant to tackle brain tumors. This funding isn't just a ticket to conduct experiments; it's an opportunity to make a real difference using a powerful trio: Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation. Here's how the concepts apply:

COMMUNICATION - SHARING THE VISION BY PROMOTING YOUR ACTION AND RESULTS

As the project starts, the researcher understands that communication is key. They take strategic steps to promote the project itself, capturing the essence of their mission in a compelling narrative.

• For Whom: Patients, families, medical professionals, policymakers, and the public.


• How: Utilize a user-friendly project website and social media platforms to engage in two-way conversations. Craft clear, jargon-free content to ensure accessibility


• When: Right from project initiation, create anticipation by introducing the project's vision and goals. Maintain ongoing communication to share progress updates, milestones, and outcomes until the end.


• Why: Effective communication builds a bridge between researchers and various stakeholders. It ensures that complex research is understood, engages the public, and fosters collaboration for meaningful impact.

DISSEMINATION: BEYOND PUBLISHING AND CONFERENCES

While publishing in open access journals and attending conferences are vital for sharing research within the scientific community, the researchers should aim to extend their reach far beyond academic walls.

• For Whom: Scientific community, patients, caregivers, medical practitioners, policymakers, industry partners, and the public.


• How: Present research findings at conferences and workshops, create informative videos and articles. Collaborate with patient advocacy groups to organize webinars for patients and families.


• When: Disseminate research findings at conferences to engage the scientific community. Organize webinars and workshops throughout the project to share insights with patients and families.


• Why: Dissemination widens the reach of research beyond academia. Sharing findings with diverse audiences informs patients, caregivers, and professionals, sparking informed discussions and potential collaborations.

EXPLOITATION - TRANSLATING POTENTIAL INTO ACTION:

As soon as the research has exploitable results, the researcher envisions its potential beyond research papers and labs. This should be protected and commercialized by including a strategy for a data management plan (DMP) as well as intellectual property rights (IPR). The goal is to ensure that the findings lead to new treatments, better care, and even policy changes.

• For Whom: Pharmaceutical companies, medical practitioners, policymakers, patients, researchers and civil society.


• How: Collaborate with industry partners to translate findings into practical applications. Engage with policymakers to influence healthcare decisions. Seek opportunities to present research's real-world potential to the medical community.


• When: Explore collaboration with industry partners as soon as the project has exploitable results, mostly towards the end of the project.


• Why: Exploitation ensures that research isn't confined to theory and lab. It leverages findings for tangible change – from developing new treatments to influencing healthcare policies, ultimately benefiting patients and society at large..

Effective research outreach strategy not only showcases the value of your research but also positions you as a researcher who can effectively bridge the gap between academia and the wider world, engage with relevant stakeholders, build collaborations, and demonstrate their commitment to sharing knowledge and driving positive change. This visibility and reputation increase your chances of securing future funding opportunities from a variety of sources that recognize the potential impact of your work