Around the world, billions of dollars are invested in academic research each year, yet much of it remains locked behind subscription journals and technical language that few people outside academia can understand. Researchers in Kumasi, Ghana are now being encouraged to change that by communicating their findings in ways that inform the public, influence policy and improve lives.<\/p>\n
That was the message at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), where researchers, lecturers and university administrators took part in practical training designed to help transform academic studies into compelling stories for print, radio, television and digital media.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the workshop, USTED’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Boateng, said research should not be judged only by the number of papers published or citations received, but by the impact it creates in society.<\/p>\n
“Research that is not communicated effectively is knowledge in prison.”<\/p>\n
He said researchers spend months, and sometimes years, collecting data, analyzing evidence and publishing their findings, yet much of that knowledge never reaches the people who could benefit most from it.<\/p>\n
Professor Boateng urged researchers to make communication an integral part of the research process rather than something considered only after publication.<\/p>\n
“Do not measure success only by publication. Measure success by transformation.”<\/p>\n
He challenged researchers to think beyond academic recognition. “Do not ask merely was my paper published? Ask whose life changed because of my research.”<\/p>\n
According to him, research should improve livelihoods, strengthen industries and provide practical solutions to challenges facing communities.<\/p>\n
Chairman of USTED’s Publication Board, Dr Christopher Owusu-Ansah, said the challenge extends beyond a single institution. He noted that universities across the Global South continue to produce important research, but much of it remains inaccessible to the wider public because it is published in subscription-based journals.<\/p>\n
“The research that is done is buried behind paywalls.”<\/p>\n
He said the issue is particularly important because much academic research is supported with public resources.<\/p>\n
Dr Owusu-Ansah argued that citizens should be able to access and understand research that has the potential to influence policies, improve services and contribute to national development.<\/p>\n
“It is only proper and fair that the research that is done is also thrown into the public space, not just behind pay walls, so that the public will be able to understand the research that is done and which would help to promote proper policies and national development.”<\/p>\n