Global Engagement Perspectives: scholarly dissemination

The peer-reviewed research article is still considered important for sharing new and impactful research and practice. However, for many in community-university engagement, the dominant conventions of academic publishing marginalise or exclude potential authors who want to share their work, and the things they seek to share: collaboration, methodological innovation, a diversity of knowledges and practices, and an emphasis on action. 

This seminar will focus on academic journal conventions and the role they play – or could play – in building a more inclusive, diverse and impactful publishing ecosystem. Journal conventions help shape all stages of publication: from processes of review, revision and digital production, to expectations over the form and content of the written text. Far from neutral, these conventions serve as ‘signposts’ for particular understandings of what is legitimate, authoritative, credible. They shape views about whose knowledge counts in research. Yet, it’s important to remember these conventions are resources, not rules. We can modify them, challenge them, resist them and experiment with them – without loss of clarity, rigor or sense of purpose.

Our international panel are bringing their perspectives on challenging academic publishing norms to create opportunities for all those involved in engaged research to share their work and their learning. Sophie Duncan, Co-editor, Research for All and Margaret Malone, Editor, Gateways will be joined by special guests:

• Kristina Vrouwenvelder, Assistant Director Publications, AGU
• Liz Weaver, former CEO of Tamarak
• Leslie Chan, Department of Global Development Studies, University of Toronto

Our international panel will discuss: What’s worth championing in scholarly research communication and dissemination and what could be improved? What innovations already exist? What role does technology have to play? Is revolutionising the publishing model the best route to take for ensuring co-created knowledge is shared? Hear from journal editors who are trying to change publishing conventions, and contributors who have worked with them to share their work. Join the conversation about our expectations of academic publishing about engaged research.

Come with your questions, your insights, and your desire to see inclusive forms of scholarly dissemination.  

The NCCPE Sector Seminars programme will bring together speakers from across national and international engagement landscapes to share their perspectives on key themes such as civic partnerships, engaged research, and inclusive engagement practice. Be inspired by innovative thought leadership and creative engagement approaches, whilst developing tactics for culture change with your peers.  

These online webinars are for anyone working in or with Higher Education Institutions across the globe.  Simply listen in, or take an active part in the conversation with other changemakers in the sector.