Maximizing Research Impact: Traditional Metrics and Real-World Influence

• November 22, 2024

Effectively measuring and demonstrating the impact of research is critical, as funding is often tied to its reach and influence. Funders prioritize a strong return on investment, and focusing on impact helps researchers see the broader purpose of their work. This article explores methods for measuring research impact through traditional metrics and real-world outcomes, along with strategies for maximizing reach.

Understanding Traditional Metrics

Traditional metrics focus on quantifiable indicators of a research output’s reach and the journal’s influence. These are split into two categories:

1. Article-Level Metrics

These metrics measure the individual reach and impact of a research article. Key indicators include:

• Views and downloads: Showcasing audience engagement.
• Citations: Reflecting the scholarly influence of the work.

Publishers, like Open Research Europe, often display these metrics alongside articles to increase visibility and transparency.

2. Journal-Level Metrics

Journal-level metrics assess the collective reach of all articles published in a journal. Examples include:

• Journal Impact Factor™ and CiteScore: Measuring average citation performance.
• Annual views and downloads: Indicating audience interest over time.

While these metrics allow authors to compare publication venues, they emphasize the journal’s reputation rather than individual articles.

Creating Real-World Impact

Beyond citations, real-world impact focuses on how research informs policy, engages media, and reaches the public.

1. Engaging Policymakers

To influence legislation and policy, researchers should:

• Write accessible articles: Formats like Open Letters, Case Studies, or Reports distill findings for non-specialist audiences.
• Build relationships: Reach out to policymakers with an executive summary, credentials, and achievable recommendations. Consistent communication fosters lasting connections.

2. Collaborating with the Media

Media coverage amplifies research visibility and societal relevance. To engage the press:

• Tailor the message: Create a single, clear message tailored to the target audience.
• Stay TRUE (Timely, Relevant, Unique, Engaging): Ensure the research is newsworthy and adapted to current events or societal needs.
• Tell a story: Combine statistics (rationale) with case studies (emotional resonance) for compelling narratives.

3. Reaching the Public

Traditional journalism and social media are powerful tools for public engagement:

• Traditional media: Work with institutional communications teams to pitch research stories.
• Social media: Announce publications with engaging summaries, relevant hashtags, and visuals. Tag co-authors, institutions, and funders to expand reach. Interact with ongoing conversations to connect with broader audiences.

Measuring Real-World Impact

Unlike traditional metrics, assessing real-world impact can be more nuanced. Key strategies include:

• Tracking news coverage: Monitor media mentions using specific keywords related to the research.
• Altmetric scores: Evaluate social media mentions, online engagement, and media coverage using Altmetric data.
• Policy influence: Use tools like Overton to identify policy documents referencing the research.

Conclusion

By leveraging traditional metrics and fostering real-world connections, researchers can maximize their impact, ensuring their work not only contributes to scholarly literature but also drives societal change. Whether engaging policymakers, collaborating with media, or reaching the public, a strategic approach to research dissemination can significantly enhance its influence.

For more insights on impactful publishing, visit Open Research Europe.