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The Global Guide to Research Impact

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    This list of how to’s provides an essential guide for a number of key communication and engagement activities that will help make your research travel.

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Featured

Introduction to data visualization

By Institute of Development Studies 19/03/2014

Data visualization is not a new topic – since the line graph and bar chart were invented in 17861 people have used graphical representations to explain large amounts of data, identify trends and tell stories. We live in an age where we generate enormous amounts of data. Data visualization is a way of making sense of this. This guide discusses the uses of data visualization, stages of visualization development and how it is relevant to research communication.

Title: Introduction to Data Visualisation Author: IDS Year: 2013

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

This resource has been produced as part of the Think Tank Initiative’s Policy Engagement and Communications (PEC) programme. You can find all ongoing outputs related to this project via the PEC mini-site on Research to Action. To get updates from the PEC programme and be part of the discussion sign-up to our RSS or email updates. You can also follow our progress via Twitter using the following hashtag #ttipec

Image courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Topics: #ttipec, data, Data visualisation, data visualization, ids, presentation, public engagement, research uptake, text, think tank initiative, visualising data, web 2.0

Institute of Development Studies

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global charity for international development research, teaching and communications. IDS, in partnership with Practical Action Consulting, are leading the South Asia and Latin American elements of the Think Tank Initiative's Policy Engagement and Communications (PEC) programme. IDS will be publishing a range of materials relating to this programme on R2A.

Contribute Write a blog post, post a job or event, recommend a resource

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Most Recent Posts

  • What would a better international emergency aid system look like?
  • Does text messaging reach and engage young people?
  • Seeing the Future? Predictability in Research Impact
  • Knowledge brokers: what are they and what do they do?
  • The global information ecosystem is under threat
🌍 Amidst a world in crisis, it's still possible — and powerful — to be part of building something better.

Want to help rethink how humanitarian aid works? 🌱 Join the global #HumanitarianRethink consultation and be part of shaping a more inclusive, effective, and far-reaching system.

🗣️ Add your voice.
🔗 Link in bio or visit:
researchtoaction.org/2025/05/what-would-a-better-international-emergency-aid-system-look-like

#RebuildingBetter #HumanitarianAid #R2ARecommends #GlobalVoices #AidReform #MakeChange #CrisisResponse #HumanityInAction

🌍 Amidst a world in crisis, it's still possible — and powerful — to be part of building something better.

Want to help rethink how humanitarian aid works? 🌱 Join the global #HumanitarianRethink consultation and be part of shaping a more inclusive, effective, and far-reaching system.

🗣️ Add your voice.
🔗 Link in bio or visit:
researchtoaction.org/2025/05/what-would-a-better-international-emergency-aid-system-look-like

#RebuildingBetter #HumanitarianAid #R2ARecommends #GlobalVoices #AidReform #MakeChange #CrisisResponse #HumanityInAction

🌀 Can we predict research impact?
Not exactly — but we can think more clearly about what’s likely, what’s possible, and what’s out of our hands.

This week on @researchtoaction, we’re recommending a thoughtful resource:
📄 “Seeing the Future: Predictability in Research Impact”
🔗 Link in bio

A useful read for researchers, funders & knowledge brokers thinking about how research makes a difference in the real world.

#ResearchImpact #KnowledgeMobilisation #EvidenceUse #ImpactPlanning #ResearchEngagement #R2ARecommends #LinkInBio

#ResearchImpact #KnowledgeMobilisation #EvidenceUse #ImpactPlanning #ResearchEngagement #R2ARecommends

🌀 Can we predict research impact?
Not exactly — but we can think more clearly about what’s likely, what’s possible, and what’s out of our hands.

This week on @researchtoaction, we’re recommending a thoughtful resource:
📄 “Seeing the Future: Predictability in Research Impact”
🔗 Link in bio

A useful read for researchers, funders & knowledge brokers thinking about how research makes a difference in the real world.

#ResearchImpact #KnowledgeMobilisation #EvidenceUse #ImpactPlanning #ResearchEngagement #R2ARecommends #LinkInBio

#ResearchImpact #KnowledgeMobilisation #EvidenceUse #ImpactPlanning #ResearchEngagement #R2ARecommends

In a recent article Megan Lloyd Laney reflects on the original mission of R2A: how it set out to enable effective and dynamic collaboration and communication in development research by overcoming information access barriers. 

This mission, as she points out, is as vital now as it ever was.

Recent developments, such as the scaling back of platforms like the Communications Initiative and challenges faced by independent media, highlight the growing challenges in accessing free, reliable information. These changes not only affect the dissemination of knowledge but also impact efforts to combat poverty and social injustice. It's imperative to recognise and support the vital role of independent media and communication platforms in fostering informed societies. 

Read Megan's compelling article via our linktree 🔗🔗

#InformationCrisis #MediaMatters #SupportIndependentMedi

In a recent article Megan Lloyd Laney reflects on the original mission of R2A: how it set out to enable effective and dynamic collaboration and communication in development research by overcoming information access barriers.

This mission, as she points out, is as vital now as it ever was.

Recent developments, such as the scaling back of platforms like the Communications Initiative and challenges faced by independent media, highlight the growing challenges in accessing free, reliable information. These changes not only affect the dissemination of knowledge but also impact efforts to combat poverty and social injustice. It's imperative to recognise and support the vital role of independent media and communication platforms in fostering informed societies.

Read Megan's compelling article via our linktree 🔗🔗

#InformationCrisis #MediaMatters #SupportIndependentMedi


About Us

Research To Action (R2A) is a learning platform for anyone interested in maximising the impact of research and capturing evidence of impact.

The site publishes practical resources on a range of topics including research uptake, communications, policy influence and monitoring and evaluation. It captures the experiences of practitioners and researchers working on these topics and facilitates conversations between this global community through a range of social media platforms.

R2A is produced by a small editorial team, led by CommsConsult. We welcome suggestions for and contributions to the site.

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