Communicating Research Results for the Public and Policymakers

Session Submission Type: Invited Session (90 minute)

Description

This session aims to help sociologists reach different audiences effectively to facilitate the use of their research in policy making, decision making, and other applied or “real world” contexts. An invited panel of communication professionals will share expertise at translating research results into effective and strategic communications to inform and influence the public, policymakers, decision makers, and other key stakeholders. It is not enough just to produce and publish research in academic journals. To put sociology into practice and have an influence in the public realm, sociologists need to learn how to communicate and describe the implications of their research for different audiences. This session will focus on strategic communications of research results including identifying the target audience, goals, and format of a communication strategy. Panelists will speak to best practices for the strategic communication of research results while bringing in examples from their professional experiences.

Sub Unit

• Sociological Practice and Public Sociology Section / Communicating Research Results for the Public and Policymakers

Presider

• Erin Maher, University of Oklahoma

Panelists

• Adam Gamoran, William T. Grant Foundation

• Meghan Elizabeth Kallman, University of Massachusetts-Boston

• Jasmine L. Davis-Randolph, Lumina Foundation

• Nico Connolly, FrameWorks Institute

Session Organizer

• Erin Maher, University of Oklahoma