How strategic communication accelerates medical research impact

It’s Medical Research Week, a national moment that celebrates discovery — but also prompts a harder question. Why do medical discoveries often take years to reach patients? Structured science communication has a critical role.

Why research impact depends on knowledge mobilisation

Health research is known for its translation lag. Studies estimate it takes an average of 17 years for new evidence to reach routine clinical use (Balas & Boren, 2000; Morris et al., 2011). In that time, treatment guidelines shift, technologies evolve and policy priorities move on. The delay isn’t about the quality of the science — it’s about the systems that communicate and apply it. 

Each step between publication and practice involves different stakeholder groups: researchers, funders, clinicians, regulators, and patients. When evidence is fragmented or overly technical, the result is inertia. Findings sit in journals while real-world decisions rely on habit or hearsay. 

Why awareness weeks matter — and why they’re not enough

Medical Research Week plays an important role in visibility. It reminds people why medical science matters and highlights areas of emerging promise. But awareness alone doesn’t change behaviour. Research needs to move through a structured communication process that connects discovery to decision-making — from policy briefings and professional networks to patient care pathways. 

To achieve real impact, research organisations need to design for continuity — from the first announcement to policy adoption and clinical implementation. Strategic communication can shorten each interval. 

The role of communication in research translation

Knowledge mobilisation treats communication as part of research design, not an afterthought. It means: 

• Framing results in the context of clinical decisions and patient outcomes 

• Producing plain-language summaries and infographics for time-poor practitioners 

• Aligning outputs with professional development and accreditation pathways 

• Partnering with medical colleges, peak bodies and media to reach beyond academia 

Effective mobilisation does more than disseminate. It builds feedback loops so evidence not only moves outwards but also informs future research directions. 

Why research projects need a science communication strategy

At Coretext we see how structured communication changes timelines. A clear explainer, infographic or clinician-focused case study can bring new knowledge into use sooner. When research messages are consistent and coordinated, they travel further — and faster — through the systems that turn evidence into care. 

Turning discovery into delivery

Medical Research Week is a reminder that publication is only step one. Real impact happens when evidence is communicated, contextualised and applied. 

Need help translating research into real-world change? We design science communication and knowledge mobilisation strategies that move evidence into action. Contact us: editor@coretext.com.au. 

Morris ZS, Wooding S, Grant J. The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research. J R Soc Med. 2011 Dec;104(12):510-20.

Balas, E. A., & Boren, S. A. (2000). Managing clinical knowledge for health care improvement. In Yearbook of Medical Informatics 2000: Patient-Centered Systems (pp. 65–70).