Advancing the impact of research through a dissemination-focused special interest group

The proverbial gap between research and translation to the real world is a complex and multi-factorial issue that persists and threatens the impact of research. Dissemination and implementation science emerged as significant contributors to knowledge translation. Much attention has been focused on implementation, with less developed methods and work dedicated on dissemination. Our academic research centre identified the need to better understand the intersection of ageing research and dissemination science for impactful and equitable dissemination of ageing research beyond the academic audience.

We describe the purpose, deliverables, and plans of the Dissemination Special Interest Group (SIG) as a model for academic research centres to support and advance the dissemination efforts of their members.

In the long term, achieving robust dissemination will require restructuring academic and research incentives, alongside developing infrastructure and methods to assess the impact of dissemination efforts on the translation of ageing research findings. However, actionable efforts can be taken immediately for meaningful impact.

Our Dissemination SIG can serve as a model for advancing and supporting dissemination within other research centres, regardless of content and focus areas. More work is needed to develop infrastructure capable of assessing the reach and impact of dissemination efforts on the adoption of research findings.