Speaking the People’s Language: A letter to researchers

It begins with recognising that research is not for researchers. Your research is for those who are experiencing the problem that you are addressing.

Dear Researchers

We appreciate your dedication when it comes to burning the midnight oil and working tirelessly to find solutions to pressing societal problems, while perhaps ignoring your personal ones. Your meticulous description of existing issues is remarkable, as is the way you carve out your scope and define the walls that confine your research focus.

Often, you go into the field, capturing valuable information through various instruments, tools, and equipment. This is used to represent the status of a problem, including its effects, vulnerabilities, and the possible trajectory if no solution is found. From the literature reviewed, the data analysed, and the recommendations made, a report is born – one that outlines steps and practices to address the issues at hand. But, fellow researchers, let us pause and ask: "To whom do we write these reports?"

The most significant frustration in research, surely, must be poor research uptake, low technology adoption, and ultimately, limited impact. All the results of the intended society that never see or understand your recommendations in relation to their own situations.

Let us not forget the power of storytelling. Stories create emotional connection. Facts alone may inform, but stories that align with facts, told with accuracy and integrity, inspire action.

So, what is the solution? It begins with recognising that research is not for researchers. Your research is for those who are experiencing the problem that you are addressing. It is for the stakeholders who must help alleviate it – the people who may not be experts, but are often the decision-makers. It is time for us to refocus: not just on conducting research, but on understanding our audience through a participatory approach. Strategic science communication that translates research into impact, because we speak the language of the people. We must ensure that knowledge generated from any research project is transformed into understanding that drives change in perception and envisioned behaviour.

In line with strategic science communication, simplicity is key, and clarity is needed, especially for those outside our profession. Heavy jargon and overly academic writing alienate the very people we seek to reach. Our communication should also resonate with the world of our audience, those whom we study. We must use methods familiar, culturally rooted, and socially acceptable to them. Equally important are transparency and consistency. Many communities are weary of being studied repeatedly with little feedback or tangible outcomes. Let's be honest about what we can and cannot do, while demystifying misconceptions that may hinder understanding or distort expectations.

Let us not forget the power of storytelling. Stories create emotional connection. Facts alone may inform, but stories that align with facts, told with accuracy and integrity, inspire action. Storytelling in science communication has limitless potential for impact. Ultimately, it is essential to remember that different audiences require distinct communication approaches. Start by listening. Map out who needs to understand, care, make a decision, or take action. Some audiences come with preconceived expectations; kindly engage them, listen, and help clarify misconceptions. Do not forget to match your medium to your message. Some ideas are best captured as narratives, while others are best conveyed through visuals, videos, publications, or policy briefs. Above all, a worthy nugget of science communication is that "research is not for researchers. It is for the people. Communicate it in their own way."

Sincerely,

Dr Ruth Wambui Wainaina