Strategic communication sits at the heart of research impact. Whether you’re building partnerships, translating discoveries, or advocating for change, the way you communicate your research shapes how others see it. 

At the University of Sydney, the Commercialisation Office works closely with researchers to translate discoveries into real-world solutions. Many early- and mid-career academics tell us that commercialisation can feel complex or far removed from their own work. My role as Communications and Training Manager is to help bridge that gap by amplifying the stories of research translation, sharing successes, and showing that every researcher has a pathway to impact.

Find the language to reach your audience

Over the years, I’ve seen how strategic communication can turn an idea into a real-world outcome. Through training, storytelling and award nominations, I’ve worked with researchers to showcase their ideas and inspire collaboration across disciplines. 

When researchers articulate why their work matters in language that resonates with partners, funders, and the public, they expand the reach and relevance of their research. This is especially powerful for EMCRs, who are building visibility and influence at a critical stage in their careers.

Our Research and IP Commercialisation foundational training module (available via Workday and CareerPath) is designed to help you understand the basics of IP protection, translation pathways and how to position your research for broader impact.

Insights from the Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) Conference

This year’s KCA Conference centred on the theme of building velocity in research commercialisation — creating systems and mindsets that enable research to move faster from bench to boardroom. 

Speakers such as Fairlie Delbridge and Dr Cathy Foley emphasised the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, ownership and speed. Mark Hutchinson called for researchers to be “trained translators” equipped to move fluidly between academia, industry and policy.

For EMCRs, these insights are a reminder that translation is a skillset worth cultivating. Universities, including Sydney, are increasingly recognising translation and collaboration in promotion frameworks and career development. The new Academic Excellence Framework at the University of Sydney recognises this work under the Translate Research with Impact Research Pillar activity. 

It was also inspiring to see the spotlight on Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) researchers as powerful drivers of social innovation. Initiatives such as the SSSHARC Research Impact Accelerator and Social Ventures Collective demonstrate how impact can emerge from every discipline, beyond STEM initiatives.

The importance of inclusivity

Through small, intentional changes in how we communicate - from the language used in Proof of Concept funding guidelines to the way we tell research stories - we can make innovation pathways more inclusive and accessible. 

The recently launched Inclusive Innovation Playbook is another step toward ensuring all researchers, regardless of discipline or background, can see a path to real-world impact.

Communication is where trust begins