In research, the ethical principle of “do no harm” has long guided interactions with participants. But while we pay close attention to ethics throughout data collection, less emphasis is often placed on how we communicate the findings back to those who gave their time and insights. How can we ensure that research participants are not only informed but also involved in the communication process?

At Research Retold, we believe that communication with participants should be as thoughtful as the research itself. This involves not just sharing outcomes but creating materials that reflect participants’ contributions and resonate with them. Here are some practical tips we’ve gathered from our experience working with researchers across disciplines about communicating research and involving research participants in the process.

Case studies: Reaching underrepresented communities

Earlier this year, we collaborated with Professor Cristina Leston-Bandeira from the University of Leeds to create bilingual (English and Welsh) leaflets aimed at encouraging seldom-heard groups to participate in Parliament through petitions. Cristina’s network distributed these leaflets via local community organisations, ensuring the materials reached the intended audiences in ways that felt familiar and accessible. Read more: Petition platforms must reach beyond the usual suspects.

In a more recent project with Dr Floor Christie de Jong from the University of Sunderland, we developed a visual summary and animation video to showcase the outcomes of a three-year, prostate cancer research project. This initiative, focused on black men’s health, highlighted the barriers they face in understanding prostate cancer risks. Community members were not only involved in the research but also in how its findings were shared. Bellow is a snippet of the visual summary:

Both projects underline the importance of creating communication materials that truly reach and resonate with participants.

Read client feedback about our collaborations

Key tips for involving participants in research communication

1. Create materials for participants

Research participants invest time and energy in your project, often with the hope of contributing to positive change. When your findings are ready, consider creating tailored communication materials – visual summaries, videos, or leaflets – that participants can easily access and understand. This not only builds trust [1] but shows that you value their involvement beyond data collection.

2. Do not assume, ask 

Rather than guessing what format will work best, consult with participants or community liaisons to understand their preferences [2]. For example, some may prefer a printed leaflet, while others might find a short video on a project website more accessible. By asking, you ensure your materials will be meaningful and effectively shared within the community.

3. Prioritise informed consent

If you plan to use photos or videos of participants in your research communication, ensure you have active, informed consent [3]. Go beyond the basic consent form – let them know how you’ll used their images, where they will appear, and who will see them. Being transparent about dissemination channels, audience size and reach helps build trust and avoids misunderstandings.

4. Avoid stereotypes in the design process

It’s crucial to be mindful of representation when creating visual materials. Even if your research is socially conscious, stereotypes can sometimes slip into communication design. Ensure the characters, images, and language used in your materials accurately and respectfully represent the community involved [4].

5. Involve research participants in the feedback process

Before going public with your materials, share drafts with participants or their community representatives [3]. This allows them to provide feedback, correct any misrepresentations, and feel more ownership over the final product. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in ensuring accuracy and respect.

6. Keeping them involved

Once the materials are published, inform participants about where and how you will share them. Keeping them in the loop – especially if key stakeholders or decision-makers engage with the content – demonstrates your commitment to the project’s impact and participants’ ongoing involvement [5].

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By following these tips, you can strengthen the bond with your research participants and ensure that the findings of your work are not just shared but shared meaningfully. Involving research participants in communicating research can be a rewarding process. After all, communication is about more than disseminating results – it’s about creating a dialogue that continues beyond the research project.

Have you involved participants in your research communication before? We’d love to hear your experiences or challenges. 

Article author: Navya Khanna, Project Manager at Research Retold

This article draws on:

1. Communicating study findings to participants: guidance (2023), NHS Health Authority
2. Amy Cyr & Kassira Absar, How community liaisons are key to authentic, meaningful community engagement, The Improve Group
3. Consent is more than paperwork, Dignified Storytelling
4. How can you design projects to avoid unconscious bias? LinkedIn community advice
5. Research with vulnerable persons, Global Initiatives Operations Manual