A workshop on Communicating Research was held at Hilton Colombo Residences from 1 – 6 August 2023. The workshop was funded by a competitive grant from the Global Health Research Cohort Academic Development Award (GHR CADA) of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This workshop is a significant step towards improving the communication of research in South Asia. It will help to ensure that research findings are made accessible to a wider audience and that they have a greater impact on policy and practice.

The workshop focused on the importance of communicating research to various audiences, including the scientific community, the public, and policymakers. Participants learned how to communicate their research effectively through print, audio-visual, and social media channels. They also gained skills in translating research into policy and practice. The workshop was facilitated by a team of international and Sri Lankan experts.

The international resource persons included Associate Professor Sayra Cristancho from Western University, Canada; Prof Stuart Allan from Cardiff University, UK; Associate Professor Judith McCool from the University of Auckland, New Zealand; and Professor Brian Oldenburg from La Trobe University, Australia. Emeritus Professor A. Pathmeshwaran, Dr Udara Amarasinghe, Dr Kapila Sooriyaarachchi, Dr Lathika Athauda and Dr Susie Perera contributed as Sri Lankan facilitators.

Thirty-two early and mid-career researchers from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh participated in the workshop in person. The Sri Lankan participants represented the Sri Lankan collaborating centres of GHRU South Asia, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and the Ministry of Health. In addition, more than 80 researchers from around the world participated in the session online.

The University of Kelaniya is a collaborating centre for GHRU South Asia. Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Training Lead, GHRU South Asia, Co-chair, NIHR Steering Committee for Training; Professor Anuradhani Kasturiratne, a Principal Investigator, GHRU South Asia; Dr Lathika Athauda, Secretary to the Training Committee, GHRU South Asia; and Dr Manuja Kaluarachchi, Programme Manager, GHRU South Asia were instrumental in securing the grant and organizing the workshop.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Senior Professor Janaki Hewavisenthi extended their fullest support to make the event a success.