Research Communication (Self-paced)

Participants will learn a structured approach to translating complex scientific evidence into clear, persuasive, and actionable messages tailored for diverse audiences, from policymakers and frontline health workers to community stakeholders. Guided by communication experts, the training blends practical tools with proven strategies grounded in Aristotle’s timeless principles of persuasion: evidence (head), storytelling (heart), and credibility (trust).

Through interactive lessons, real-world examples, quizzes, and templates, you’ll gain confidence and clarity in presenting your research in ways that resonate and prompt action. By the end, you’ll be prepared to ensure your work not only informs but also transforms health policies and practices. Ideal for: Researchers, public health professionals, and anyone seeking to maximise the impact of research evidence.

Course Staff

Jacklyne A. Ashubwe

Jacklyne is a medical doctor consulting in public health and knowledge. She has local and international expertise in evaluations of public health programs, primary research and effective communication of research to support evidence-informed decision-making. Additionally, she mentors researchers and public health practitioners to carry out research and effectively communicate their evidence to decision-makers. Her passion lies in using these competencies to strengthen health services delivery at the primary health care level. She has worked with diverse local and global organizations including the Ministry of Health in Kenya, World Health Organization (WHO), PharmAccess and Medical Credit Fund, the World Bank and DANIDA.

Jamie Guth

Jamie Guth leads Global Health Connections, a non-profit organization devoted to developing, innovating and implementing health communication strategies. She has worked for the World Health Organization, PATH, government ministries and organizations, NGOs and private companies. She was the primary investigator on research uptake in a large multi-country research study in Africa and has a special interest in expanding the use of research evidence for policy development. She was one of the founders in developing the SORT IT communications training module, and has been training scientists in this method since 2017. Jamie holds a MPH from Liverpool University, and MLS from Dartmouth.

Nasreen Jessani

Dr. Nasreen Jessani's expertise lies in exploring innovative means of quantifying and describing the social and political dimensions of research use in health policy – and the subsequent ramifications for health system governance. She is particularly interested in how the social, technical and political aspects of relationships and networks interact to advance Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM). Her passion for public health and EIDM is complemented by her interests in advancing the science of teaching that she applies to EIDM-relevant courses, as well as implementation science courses that she teaches. Nasreen's leadership in this field has resulted in invitations to serve on several Boards of Directors, Advisory Councils and Steering Committees globally. Nasreen holds a DrPH (Johns Hopkins University), MSPH (UNC-Chapel Hill), BSc (McGill University).

Robert Terry

Dr Robert Terry is responsible for priority setting, knowledge management, open access, data sharing and ensuring evidence is translated into policy and practice at TDR, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, based at the World Health Organization. He has worked in the Middle East and undertaken development consultancies in several African and Asian countries for WHO, Oxfam, VSO, UNAIS and DFID. He has a PhD in Global Health Research Policy from the University of Cambridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What web browser should I use?

The Open edX platform works best with current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari.

See our list of supported browsers for the most up-to-date information.

Does this MOOC session deliver a certificate or do I get academic credits?

Currently, this course does not offer academic credit.It does offer a certificate of completion.

Is this TDR MOOC session free?

The MOOC is completely free. You can also leave the MOOC at any time without penalty.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is fully self-paced, meaning you can go through the content as quickly or as slowly as you would like. We estimate you will need 2 to 3 hours to complete the full course, with some participants needing more time and some participants needing less time.

Is the MOOC session taught live? Do I need to connect in at a specific time or can I participate when it is convenient for me?

This MOOC session is not live-streamed. Participants do not need to log in at specific times of day to participate and watch the videos, which means that you can take the MOOC in a way that is convenient for you.

Are there tests or assignments?

Yes. you will need to complete the tests and assignments to get a certiciate of completion.

All reasonable precautions have been taken by TDR to verify the information contained in this e-learning. However, the e-learning is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall WHO be liable for damages arising from its use.

The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this training package and they do not necessarily represent the decisions, policy or views of the World Health Organization.