Research funded with public money should not remain hidden behind academic journals or expensive paywalls, the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED) says, urging researchers to communicate their findings in language that ordinary people can understand and use. The call was made during a special training workshop organised by USTED’s Publication Board to help researchers, lecturers and senior members transform academic studies into compelling stories for print, radio, television and digital media. Speaking at the workshop, USTED’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Boateng, said research should not be judged only by the number of papers published or citations received, but by the impact it creates in society.
“Research that is not communicated effectively is knowledge in prison.” He said researchers spend months and sometimes years collecting data, analysing evidence and publishing their findings, but much of that knowledge often remains within academic circles. Prof Boateng urged researchers to see communication as an important part of the research process rather than something considered after publication. “Do not measure success only by publication.
Measure success by transformation.” He challenged researchers to focus on the real-world impact of their work. “Do not ask merely was my paper published? Ask whose life changed because of my research.” He said research should contribute to improving livelihoods, strengthening industries and solving problems affecting communities.
USTED seeks to close research communication gap The Chairman of the USTED Publication Board, Dr Christopher Owusu-Ansah, said the workshop was organised because of the gap between research produced by universities and the wider public. He said many studies from the Global South are published in international journals where access is often limited by subscription fees and paywalls. “The research that is done is buried behind paywalls.” Dr Owusu-Ansah said this was particularly important because a significant amount of research is supported through public resources.
He argued that citizens should have access to research findings that can influence policies and national development. “It is only proper and fair that the research that is done is also thrown into the public space, not just behind paywalls, so that the public will be able to understand the resear…
Summary from source