Allowing the Public to Engage with Our Research

Abstract:

As researchers, we are proud of our results and it is very pleasing when our work is published in a journal. But how do you make your research findings relevant to the public? Why is it important that the public know about our research work? Translating your research into simple messages and making it more accessible is becoming more important than just the publication in a high impact journal. Funders of your research wish to see a return from their investment. This may be your University, a publically funded research body or even an industrial collaborator. Public engagement of science has rapidly expanded and it is now expected that you make your findings open to the world. This should not be seen as threatening as there are many positive arguments to embedding public engagement in your research output.

My role as Scientific Advisor to the British Dental Association has allowed me to work with the public on a regular basis. I am asked to comment on diverse research findings from toothbrushes to mouthwashes. Other popular topics include how the mouth impacts on general health and what we might expect with dentistry in the future. Media interest in dentistry and discussion on research findings associated with it has increased dramatically over the last decade. This seminar will provide insight into how we can promote our own research findings in dentistry. The seminar will look at how to use the media to your own advantage and promoting your own research findings so that the public will engage with you.