Dissemination - MRC e-Val 2010
Dissemination of results is an essential part of research and this supports the MRC’s aim to share the results of its research with a wide range of audiences and to engage the public in dialogue about medical research. MRC- supported scientists are prolific in their dissemination work: MRC e-Val recorded a total of 9,041 reports of dissemination activities involving 1,468 MRC principal investigators.
Talks and presentations are the primary method of disseminating results, accounting for 35 per cent of all reported activity. This is followed by participation in workshops and events, which accounts for 18 per cent of activities. The media is an important channel for reaching the public, and over 10 per cent of activities involved a press release or media enquiry. Researchers focus primarily on the public (39 per cent) although other audiences are also important. These include schools and teachers, policymakers and parliamentarians, health professionals, journalists, and patients and study participants.
2,418 researchers (27 per cent) reported that their activities were supported by a recognised scheme. An example of a well-used scheme is the Royal Society Scientist/MP pairing scheme which builds bridges between parliamentarians, civil servants and some of the best research scientists in the UK. Participating scientists are paired with either an MP or civil servant and the Royal Society supports them by arranging a 'Week in Westminster' and reciprocal visits. The scheme aims to help MPs and civil servants establish longstanding links with practicing research scientists and to help research scientists understand political decision making and its associated pressures.
