Case study: Routes into research

The challenge

  • I was engaged by an organisation with a mission to encourage health practitioners in the Wessex region to explore routes into academic research. They intended to launch a new network with regular virtual and in-person workshops and a supporting website – kicking off with a launch event.
  • The co-chairs of the network had limited time and were keen to find someone who could lift the burden and help deliver a successful launch and accompanying communications. 
  • A date had already been set which gave us a tight timescale. A web agency had also been engaged but no content had been produced.

The solution

  • I initially worked with the co-chairs of the network to understand their priorities and expectations. We outlined some of the core deliverables, including the website, a new mailing list and a presence on social media. I also talked them through some ideas for how the launch event could work, including timings and technology.
  • I produced a timeline that worked backwards from the launch date and identified the key milestones and dependencies along the way. I also produced a short communications plan that outlined some key messages for the team and ideas for how they could promote the launch within their existing networks.
  • The website was going to be thorough from the outset, so I enlisted the services of an associate to work on the copy for me, including interviews with clinicians who had already pursued research opportunities.
  • Together, we also produced a range of other copy in advance, including social media posts, invites and thank you messages, so that the team could distribute these seamlessly before and after the virtual launch.

The result

  • The website was delivered on time and ready for the launch event.
  • Attendance at the launch event exceeded all expectations and almost all of the participants stayed for the duration of the virtual call.
  • The network is now hosting regular events to encourage their members to take research ideas from concept to reality.

“Thank you for all your help. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Network co-chair