Communication and Outreach in Research Management and Administration

Communication, public engagement, outreach and advocacy are central components of the research endeavour, whether for demonstrating the impact of research or securing resources and reputation. This Award recognises an individual, team, project or institution that has developed and maintained innovative ways for connecting with the public and other interested parties and/or communicating the activity and benefits of research.

In general, nominees will have demonstrated a highly successful approach to developing and delivering methodologies that actively engage interested parties in the research process from start to finish. Specifically, the nominees will have demonstrated one or more of the following attributes:

  • Devised and delivered a method that explicitly ensures their organisation can demonstrate accountability and transparency, impact, relevance and/or responsiveness.
  • Found a successful way to engage with and involve the local, regional and/or national community on the current and future direction of their organisation’s research portfolio, strengthening the organisation’s research brand and/or identity.
  • Enacted an approach that enriches their organisation’s research, such as opportunities for the public to contribute to that research.
  • Influenced the practice of research management directly or indirectly at the local, national or international level.
  • Built and facilitated proactive engagement amongst the research support team, other areas of professional services, researchers and students to deliver an internally inclusive approach to external community engagement.

Judges will particularly look for techniques for public engagement that can be replicated and therefore have potential wider benefits if adopted elsewhere. They will also look for effective use of practices learned or adopted from sectors or professions outside research management.

The Ceremony

Our inaugural Awards evening was a celebration of the pioneering spirit which pervades our membership and is embodied through each of our shortlisted nominees.

Award categories

Our categories reflect the diversity of our profession and the depth and breadth of skills, knowledge and experience required to be an effective research support professional.