2014 was a busy time for the Research to Action team and we are grateful for all the ongoing interest in the initiative and the excellent content provided by our partners and contributors (sorry there are too many of you to name individually). We have created a snapshot of our best bits from over the course of the year just in case you missed them!

1. In October we launched Policy Brief Week and the How To Guide for writing an effective Policy Brief, which included our very animal friendly animation!

2. September saw another key issue brought into focus with the launch of Theory of Change Week and a series of podcasts produced by Andrew Clappison and Courtney Tolmie.

3. The Think Tank Initiative’s Policy Engagement and Communications Programme  (TTI PEC) generated lots of content and interest over the course of 2014, including these resources on writing Op-Eds and Blogs, produced as part of a virtual writing shop.

4. R2A created a content sharing partnership with Research Media over the course of 2014 and this blog on Infographics highlights more of the excellent content from them over the course of 2015.

5. Socical Media guru, Betty Paton, contributed Twitter a Whistlestop Guide for Think Tanks – a  succinct and  thorough guide for those looking to spread their wings on Twitter.

6. IDS produced a wonderfully useful introduction to Data Visualization as part of the TTI PEC programme, which is well worth a look for newbies to data vis.

7. More useful resources came from the TTI PEC programme in the form of advice and resources on writing Press Releases produced as part of another excellent virtual write shop.

8. Communication off the Map by Nick Benequista offers specific advice on policy influence in emerging democracies – well worth a look!

9. Webinars: an effective tool for e-learning? By David J. Olson reflects on the use of webinars by TTI PEC programme as a tool for capacity building. We predict capacity building is going to be a big talking point in 2015, but not sure if the potential of webinars will get much coverage?

10. 2014 saw the development of the R2A Helpdesk, which is set to be launched early in 2015. Take a sneak preview and have a look at previous ‘early bird’ questions to glean some valuable words of wisdom from R2A community of experts. Or test yourself, do you know the difference between research communication and research uptake?

R2A also introduced Guest Editors in 2014. If you or your organisation is interested in showcasing your expertise or project findings centring on development, communications and media then read the guidelines for applying and send a completed application form to info@researchtoaction.org .

For more popular posts, check out our highlights from 2013 and 2012.

Image courtesy of hin255 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net