Research communications

Communication is a fundamental part of the research process. Effective research communication helps researchers share their work with other researchers, policymakers, funders and the public, building understanding, creating connections and helping research deliver real-world benefits.

As part of the External Relations Directorate, the Research Communications and Engagement team works with colleagues across media, digital and social media, events, community engagement, marketing and campaigns, alumni and fundraising, internal communications, and rankings and reputation to raise the profile of Reading's research and the people behind it.

 

What we do

Our work has three main aims.

Build the University's research reputation:We raise the profile of Reading's research and strengthen our global research reputation by:

  • Showcasing research excellence and impact, including the work of early career researchers and the facilities, partnerships and research environment that make new discoveries possible.
  • Developing and delivering strategic research campaigns in areas where Reading has demonstrable research strength and impact but does not yet have equivalent international recognition.
  • Working with external partners, including Times Higher Education and The Conversation, to put our research and expertise in front of researchers, collaborators, funders and other audiences around the world.

Empower researchers to communicate their work: We help researchers develop the skills, confidence and opportunities to communicate their own research effectively by:

  • Providing practical guidance and best-practice resources on research communications.
  • Delivering training and support to help researchers promote their work and build their individual profile and reputation.
  • Creating opportunities for researchers to reach wider audiences through external platforms and partnerships.

Strengthen and celebrate our research culture: We support a research culture built around openness, fairness, collegiality and collaboration by:

  • Creating and promoting content about our research community, including research blogs, practical advice, researcher profiles and news about initiatives supporting our community.
  • Bringing together research news, opportunities, guidance, training and advice through our research communications SharePoint site and monthly research newsletter.
  • Working with organisations including Times Higher Campus+ to share knowledge and learning about conducting research and delivering impact, reflecting our commitment to Open Research.

Communications advice and support

We also provide advice and support in a number of other areas:

  • PURE: Best-practice guidance to help researchers make the most of PURE – the University’s Current Research Information System – to develop their individual and project profiles. (TBC)
  • Research websites:Advice on creating project websites using the University's CampusPress platform where a PURE project page does not meet the project's communications needs.
  • Public engagement: communications support for activities including public lectures and the Community Festival.
  • Strategic communications: Support for schools, departments, major projects and flagship research centres, aligned with the University's wider research strategy and rankings and reputation activity including Times Higher Education Awards and QS World Rankings.

Best Practice guides

We provide Best Practice guides to help researchers promote their work, drawing on expertise from the Research Communications and Engagement Team. 

Additional guidance