Storytelling is not just an art form, but also an essential tool in communicating research.
This was one of the key messages conveyed during the knowledge-sharing forum, “Research in Action: Transforming Research Dissemination in the Digital Age,” conducted by the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P), an initiative of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
The forum was part of a full-day symposium that served as an avenue for SERP-P network members to amplify their reach and improve research dissemination efforts.
By leveraging modern information technology and fostering a robust research network, SERP-P aims to make research findings more accessible to policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders. As a one-stop hub, it provides access to a wide range of research outputs, including studies, discussion papers, books, and journal articles.
“Your writing is only as good as how understandable it is. If you have a lot of information, but you don’t know how to communicate it, it doesn’t have as much value,” said Gabby Baizas, a digital forensics researcher and one of the presenters during the forum.
Ingrid Espinosa, an independent consultant for science communication and a lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, positioned storytelling as part of the scientific process.
“Communicating is an easy way to multiply the impact and the results of the hard work you’ve already put in,” she said.
Espinosa shared how the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical role of empathy and storytelling in helping the public grasp complex scientific concepts. She said that research shared through stories is more believable and memorable to audiences than facts alone.
The emphasis on stakeholders also held true in the forum’s exploration of digital spaces and open science.
Luigi Conti, communications and advocacy head of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), explained the ways in which the growing digital space has shaped communication.
He presented data on Filipino internet usage, highlighting social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok as key avenues for engaging stakeholders.
Conti cautioned against limiting communication media and platforms. “Use all tools at your disposal to fully utilize the digital sphere,” he said. He also noted that incorporating humor and creativity can enhance the effectiveness of messages in digital environments.
