Good advice to researchers on how to communicate their research

CBS has developed a guideline for good research communication practice at CBS that promotes best practice when researchers present new research or comment on individual cases in the media

Our professors and associate professors CBS are in the media on a daily basis; either presenting new research results or providing expert comments. CBS has therefore formulated a guideline for good research communication practice with the purpose of helping the researchers contribute their expertise in the public debate in the best way possible.

- Research communication and knowledge sharing is a significant element in CBS' role as a university, and we encourage our researchers to communicate their knowledge and become involved in the public debate. This guideline must help to clarify what is proper conduct when communicating research and contributing to the public debate, says Alan Irwin, Dean of Research.

CBS has acceded to the principles of The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity from 2010. The statement is a result of 340 researchers' and research institutions' work with research communication and the first global initiative of its kind.

Positions based on research

The most significant point of the guideline is that the individual researcher is responsible for making a clear distinction between his/her roles as an academic expert and as a personal opinion-maker when being interviewed, publishing articles and making opinions on blogs. The head of department is responsible for the researcher's compliance with the principles for good research communication.

The dean of research and the heads of department have taken the initiative to make an annual status with concrete examples of research communication in the media. CBS has recently held an internal seminar on good research communication in practice. The seminar will be a recurring event, and the plan is to continue the debate at individual department level. The heads of department and the Academic Council have acceded to the guideline.

Read more about the Singapore Statement