# Training in Translating Scientific Research Findings for Non-Scientific Audiences

> **NIH NIH R25** · POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU · 2023 · $147,601

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Current U.S. predoctoral graduate education is not designed to train researchers how to communicate
research results to nonacademic audiences. Population Reference Bureau (PRB) addresses this gap with its
U.S. policy communication training program, preparing current Ph.D. students to present findings in ways that
are understandable and accessible to policy audiences, including decisionmakers, advocates, and the media.
The program's main goal is to expand the cadre of U.S. population research professionals committed to policy
communication. The program's objectives are to: (1) Address barriers that researchers face in communicating
population-related research results to policy audiences; (2) Engage a diverse group of predoctoral students
(future population professionals) in policy communication over their careers; (3) Teach population scientists
about: the process by which research informs the policy environment, how to identify and communicate the
policy implications of their research, and various tools/skills for communicating findings to U.S. policy
audiences.
To achieve these objectives, PRB will select annually 12 U.S. predoctoral students who apply on a competitive
basis to participate in a three-part training program consisting of: (1) virtual orientation and introduction to the
U.S. policy process; (2) summer workshop; (3) virtual writing and social media instruction and writing
assignments during the academic year. Only students with findings to use in the program's writing and
presentation exercises will be selected to participate. The summer workshop includes exercises in writing and
presenting, giving participants experience in using their own research findings as the basis for building
communication skills. Participants also meet in small working groups led by PRB staff or accomplished training
program graduates, where they discuss their research and develop a presentation for a policy audience.
To increase diversity of the training cadre, PRB proposes revising participants' eligibility criteria to include U.S.
predoctoral students studying in accredited departments that are not institutional members of the Association
of Population Centers. This change will allow us to prepare a more diverse pool of trainees pursuing research
relevant to the mission of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development, Population Dynamics Branch, to effectively translate research into understandable, policy-
relevant messages. Based on program graduates' early outputs, we expect this R-25 application will contribute
significantly to expanding access to and use of understandable and useful information on key demographic,
reproductive health, and population health issues to inform U.S. and global social policy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10452546
- **Project number:** 5R25HD075736-08
- **Recipient organization:** POPULATION REFERENCE BUREAU
- **Principal Investigator:** Toshiko Kaneda
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $147,601
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-08-15 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10452546

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10452546, Training in Translating Scientific Research Findings for Non-Scientific Audiences (5R25HD075736-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10452546. Licensed CC0.

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