What is Project PARTICIPATE?

Project PARTICIPATE is an innovative network focused on bridging the gap between academic research and the public. Its main objective is to create a strong collaborative environment where researchers, local organizations, and communities come together to promote knowledge sharing and community-based problem solving. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Project PARTICIPATE works with early-stage researchers to help them develop vital skills, particularly in the areas of research dissemination, community engagement, and policy communication.

The project provides training programs and workshops to equip doctoral candidates with the tools necessary to share their research effectively with non-academic audiences, ensuring that their findings benefit local communities. This collaborative approach allows the research to create real-world impact and helps address pressing societal challenges. The project’s most recent event was a training session held in Athens, offering key insights on the importance of research dissemination, among other topics.

Key Lessons on Research Dissemination from the Athens Training Event

From the 23rd to the 25th of September, the PARTICIPATE network gathered at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, bringing together doctoral candidates, their supervisors, and experienced professionals for a comprehensive training session. International Parents Alliance was on the ground too. The event focused heavily on research dissemination, giving young researchers practical tools and strategies for reaching out to the public and sharing their findings in accessible ways.

The training began with a two-day session led by Professor Liza Tsaliki and Dr. Despina Chronaki, where participants explored how qualitative research methods can be better communicated to non-academic audiences. One of the primary takeaways was the importance of understanding how a researcher’s epistemological stance impacts the way they present their findings. Both Prof. Tsaliki and Dr. Chronaki emphasized that researchers must be mindful of their approach to ensure that their work reaches the right audiences, particularly knowledge holders and community organizations.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, the trainers shared personal stories of overcoming the challenges of engaging with communities. They offered practical advice on working with NGOs to help bridge the gap between academia and real-world issues. Volunteers from SCI-Hellas, a local branch of an international organization dedicated to community-driven change, provided further insights on how local collaborations can enhance the impact of research dissemination.

An essential component of the event was learning from local media professionals. Journalists from an online newspaper and radio station shared their experiences in integrating academic research into mainstream news coverage. This session offered researchers valuable tips on how to present their findings in a way that is compelling and understandable for the general public. By learning how to adapt complex academic work into more digestible formats, participants gained a better understanding of how to disseminate their research more effectively to a broader audience.

The event also featured presentations from two doctoral candidates from the host university, who showcased their research on bullying in Greece. Their findings highlighted the unique cultural and social dynamics that influence bullying behaviors in schools, providing a real-world example of how localized research can inform broader conversations on social issues. Their presentation underscored the importance of tailoring research dissemination strategies to the specific contexts in which the research is conducted.

One of the more interactive sessions was led by Kainaat Maqbool, who conducted a workshop using “zenies” created by young Afro-Greek participants in her research. The exercise demonstrated how cultural background influences individuals’ perceptions of research materials, sparking a lively discussion among the participants on the need to consider cultural differences in research dissemination strategies.

The event concluded with a discussion on how to communicate effectively with policymakers, led by Dr. Lila Mastora from ActionAid Hellas. This session reinforced the importance of translating academic research into actionable recommendations that can inform policy decisions, a critical step in ensuring that research has a tangible impact on society.

The Importance of Research Dissemination for Broader Impact

Research dissemination is a crucial aspect of the academic process, as it ensures that the knowledge generated within academic institutions reaches the public and informs real-world change. Project PARTICIPATE’s training event in Athens underscored the importance of this practice by equipping doctoral candidates with the skills needed to share their findings effectively. Whether through collaborations with local NGOs, interactions with the media, or engagement with policymakers, the event emphasized that successful research dissemination depends on the ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and actionable manner.

By involving community-based organizations like SCI-Hellas and media professionals, the PARTICIPATE network demonstrates the value of multi-sectoral collaborations in enhancing research dissemination. The ability to reach diverse audiences, from local community members to international policymakers, ensures that research findings do not remain confined to academia but contribute to meaningful societal progress.

For young researchers, mastering the art of research dissemination is critical to ensuring their work has a broader impact. The event in Athens offered invaluable lessons on how to engage effectively with various stakeholders, adapting their communication strategies to different audiences. Whether you’re involved in academic research or interested in promoting the public good, learning how to share knowledge and research with the wider community is essential for making a lasting difference.