How To Make Research Accessible To Non-Experts

On writing papers with impact. I often hear people complain that academics don't write papers with real work impact. I tend to disagree bc I feel like we all study topics have an impact, but we simply don't know how to write them or frame them. While I am no expert, I came across a great editorial that offers insight how to design & write a study that communicates impact to broader audiences. Andrew Burton-Jones, Steven L. Johnson, & Ann Majchrzak editorial in MIS Quarterly on"Producing Significant Research" offers insight into how authors can enhance the impact of their research & better communicate its importance. So what do they advise? 1. When starting a project, authors should ask: * How does this paper address an unsolved challenge in practice? Example: If studying remote work, go beyond general benefits & identify specific challenges like "How do remote employees manage digital fatigue & maintain productivity?" * Does the paper consider multiple perspectives on this challenge? Example: If researching AI in hiring, consider perspectives from job seekers, employers, & regulators rather than focusing solely on HR professionals. * Does completing this project offer insight that benefits society? Example: If studying misinformation, clarify the broader societal impact: "Our research informs policymakers on how to design social media regulations that balance free speech with misinformation control." 2. When writing a paper, authors should make it: * Accessible: Use clear, straightforward language accessible to non-academic audiences. * Credible: Support claims with empirical evidence and examples of practical applications. * Arresting: Clearly articulate the real-world problem, limitations of existing knowledge, and how the study advances understanding. They also suggest avoid: * Overuse of technical jargon that reduces accessibility. * Vague generalizations in the discussion and implications sections. * Failing to specify which stakeholders will benefit from the findings. 3. Never forget practice. * Consider practitioner perspectives early in the research process. Example: Consult working professionals instead of relying solely on academic literature. * Engage with real-world problems rather than purely theoretical gaps. Example: Investigate "how flawed data models led to incorrect credit scores, impacting millions of consumers." * Frame research for multiple audiences (academics, industry, policymakers). Example: Tailor takeaways separately for stakeholders. * Seek feedback from non-academic peers on clarity and impact before submission. Example: Ask a non-expert colleague to summarize the key takeaways. If they struggle, simplify and clarify your message. Andrew, Steven and Ann argue that authors who proactively embed impact into their studies will be better positioned to contribute meaningful, high-quality research. I think they are right. Give it a crack! Editorial here: https://lnkd.in/ePyeFk_k

I don't understand climate science. Or science, in general. But I need to translate complex climate science every day. #ClimateCommunications requires us to take complex topics and turn them into value-oriented, human-centered narratives that people can relate to. And businesses and organizations in #ClimateChange, #ClimateTech, or #CorporateSustainability, need to communicate complex science, technology, and BIG. CLIMATE. IDEAS. effectively and clearly. You're not going to sell the public on photovoltaic cells if you can't explain what a photovoltaic cell is and does. And organizations lose people when they don't communicate clearly. Some steps I take when translating complex energy science: 🔊 Read and re-read closely. Complex research contains heavy jargon and complex science terms. Read source material closely, making mental or physical notes for yourself on what you've read. 🔊 Compare your research with your source. Think you have the complex information translated well? Do some research to compare what you think you know with other evidence-based sources. Do you have agreement between them? There you go. 🔊 Read your writing (aloud, maybe!). Make sure you read your translated, general audience writing again and again. Is it clear? Does it still feel too technical? Retranslate and revise. 🔊 Consult experts. You're writing to communicate subject matter experts' complex ideas, but that doesn't mean you leave them out of the process. After all, they need their complex science or technology communicated in a way that's accurate and resonates with the audience. Once you've written a compelling story, return to your subject matter experts and have them review for accuracy. 🔊 Find a second pair of eyes. You've looked at your writing too much. Have someone else (doesn't need to be an expert) read your story. They can tell you if they get stuck or don't understand a term or idea. 🔊 Know your audience. Maybe your audience is technical or knows the technology well. If so, then more technical language may work for them. Make sure you understand your audience and tell a story with them in mind. 🔊 Create a clear message/headline. 🔊 Tell your audience why they should care. Communicate value. 🔊 Bonus: use metaphors to communicate complexity. I do this all the time. Metaphors can effectively translate complex ideas. Climate communications doesn't have to be dense. Tell stories that make it easier for your readers to care, take action, or find value in what you have to offer.

Explaining technical terms to a lay audience can be tricky. In a recent plain language project that I worked on, I faced 2 challenges: 🔴 Overexplanation —too much detail in some areas 🔴 Underexplanation—not enough context in others So, how to handle those issues and find the right balance? ✅ Focus on your audience’s needs. Here are a few strategies that help me: ✔️ Aim for a 6th–8th grade readability level (there are free readability checkers available) ✔️ Focus on the core message (cut out what is not essential) ✔️ Step into your reader’s shoes: what do they need to know? ✔️ Ask a non-expert (like a friend or family member) to review your text ✔️ Reread and revise until it flows clearly ✔️ Use everyday words and relatable analogies How do you make complex information clear and accessible? #medicalwriting #medcomms #plainlanguage

💬 When I was a Ph.D. student, I learned a hard truth: if you can’t explain why your work matters, no one else will care. I’ve spoken with many graduate students and postdocs who want to move beyond academia — into industry, startups, or other fields. One of the most common questions they ask me is: 👉 “What skills are the most important?” There are many. But to me, the most important one is 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: the ability to explain your work to a general audience. And it’s not easy. When I was a Ph.D. student in David Weitz’s lab at Harvard University, this was something we practiced every week. At every group meeting, each of us had to give a 30-second to 1-minute 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 about our research. After the pitch, Dave would often ask one simple but powerful question: “𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭?” I don’t understand initially what Dave meant. Later on, I realized that it wasn’t enough to describe what you did technically, you had to explain why anyone should care. For example, I might have said: 🧪 “We developed a new microfluidic and barcoding technology to detect multiple DNA mutations in a single cell.” Technically correct — but completely meaningless to someone outside the field, nobody knows what microfluidics/barcoding technology is, is that the same barcode that you use in grocery shopping? 👉  You had to go beyond technical jargon and clearly explain why it mattered: what real-world problem it could solve, and why people should care. And if you needed to mention technical terms, you had to explain them in simple, everyday language that anyone could understand. Instead of focusing on microfluidics and barcoding, I needed to highlight how this work could improve early cancer detection or help doctors personalize treatments: outcomes that everyone can immediately understand. The same lesson applies when talking to venture capitalists, hiring managers, or anyone outside your immediate technical community. Most people are not experts in your field. If you want to make an impact, you must learn to meet them where they are. 🗣️ Clear, compelling communication, that’s how you open doors beyond academia. #ScienceCommunication #CareerTransition #LifeAfterPhD #PhDLife #PostdocLife #CareerAdvice #CommunicationSkills #SoftSkillsMatter #Storytelling #PublicSpeaking #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #STEMCareers #ScientistsWhoCommunicate #STEMEducation #ScienceOutreach #AcademiaToIndustry #Leadership #CareerChange #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #SkillsForSuccess

If you’ve ever felt like shouting “JUST READ MY PAPER!”...  This is for you. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you don’t communicate your research clearly, consistently, and strategically, most people will never hear about it. Not funders. Not policymakers. Not journalists. Not even your peers. Yes, those who study the same things and never invite you as a coauthor. But when scientists hear “go viral” or “personal brand,” they picture loud, self-promotional nonsense that feels icky. That’s not what this is. This is about being visible for the right reasons and making your work easier to fund, share, and scale. Here are 10 ways to do just that (without sounding like a sales pitch): 1. Tell the story behind the data: what inspired the question? 2. Show the real-world impact: why does it matter, and to whom? 3. Use simple metaphors to explain complex findings. 4. Talk about the process: the failures, surprises, pivots. 5. Share quotes from collaborators or community members. 6. Repurpose talks or papers into short LinkedIn posts. 7. Make one powerful visual that captures your key point. 8. Answer the question: “So what?” in plain language. 9. Engage with others in your space, don’t just broadcast. 10. Build a narrative thread that connects your work to your purpose. This isn’t fluff. It’s a strategy. And it works not just for algorithms, but for funders, reporters, and decision-makers who need clarity more than data. – Want your research to spark action, not just citations? ✅ Follow for more science & purpose reflections 📬 Subscribe to Outreach Lab (link under my name) ☕ Book a free clarity call; I'd love to hear your story. Bridge your Science with the World. It’s Ready to Listen.