Why Communicate?
One of the ESRC's main objectives is to enhance the impact of research on policy and practice. At the ESRC we've seen research - via the channels of communication - inform and influence policy and practice. The potential impact of good research is enormous and this is lost if it is not promoted as widely as possible.
Effective communication is the lifeblood of the ESRC's partnership with its research investments. It should also be the lifeblood of your work. Done well, it will raise the profile not only of your research, but also of the ESRC.
The ESRC will provide as much help and support as it can to ensure that research findings are communicated to the right audiences. In turn, researchers can open up new networks and develop innovative communication mechanisms which can refresh the ESRC's own work.
Don't be afraid to ask for advice from the ESRC or to buy in specialist help where necessary. Communication is a professional discipline and there are many experts in different fields - media, event management, public affairs, design - who can help you maximise the impact of your communications.