Leicester researchers have strengthened their research communication skills through a dedicated Infographics Training Workshop designed to help them present complex research in clear, engaging and accessible ways.
Delivered by Laura Evans-Hill, CEO and Founder of Nifty Fox Creative, the interactive workshop responded directly to requests from BRC researchers for practical training. Creating visual abstracts and infographics is an increasingly valuable skill as journals and research funders place greater emphasis on accessible research communication.
Throughout the half-day session, attendees learned how to distil complex research into key messages, apply effective design principles and create impactful infographics using free software and frameworks. The training also explored how visual communication can help researchers engage a wide range of audiences, from fellow academics to patients, the public and policymakers.
The workshop formed part of The National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) ongoing commitment and objective to developing researchers with the skills needed to maximise the impact of their work beyond academia.
Professor Sally Singh, Professor of Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation and Director of Training and Capacity Development at the NIHR BRC Leicester, said:
“Great research deserves to be understood beyond academic audiences. By helping researchers communicate their work clearly and visually, we’re equipping them with practical skills that can increase the reach and real-world impact of their research while making it more accessible to the people who ultimately benefit from it.”
Participants agreed that the learnt practical techniques and tools to create effective research infographics. The workshop was well received, with attendees sharing positive feedback on its practical content, interactive format and immediate relevance to their research.