Research has huge potential to inspire change – but only if it reaches the people it’s designed to support. Across Fuse: The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, researchers are exploring creative ways to share findings beyond academic journals, helping insights connect with communities, practitioners and policy makers in meaningful and accessible ways.

Fuse is a virtual research centre operating across six universities in the North East and North Cumbria – Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Cumbria, Sunderland and Teesside. Launched in 2008, Fuse works closely with partners across all sectors involved in public health. Led by Professors Sheena Ramsay (Director) and Amelia Lake (Deputy Director), Fuse is also a founding member of the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR).

Its mission is simple: transform health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities through world‑class public health research and its translation into policy and practice.

Fuse’s work is driven by three aims:

• Delivering high‑quality public health research
• Building sustainable research capacity
• Developing effective, lasting partnerships

Creative ways to make research resonate

Fuse researchers are using a wide range of innovative approaches, including:

• Infographics, zines and visual summaries to break down complex findings
• Short videos and animations to tell human stories and share impact
• Theatre, events and workshops to create safe, inclusive spaces for discussion
• Interactive tools, quizzes and gamified experiences to help people explore results
• Storytelling and co-produced materials, from children’s books to community-made resources
• Public exhibitions and art installations to reach audiences in everyday places
• Social media, blogs and podcasts to engage wider and more diverse groups
• Translation and accessible formats to ensure inclusivity

The key message? There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The most effective dissemination starts with listening to the audiences your research is intended to serve.

Find out more

Fuse has launched a Community of Practice dedicated to creative research, involvement and dissemination. If you’re interested or have your own creative examples to share, Fuse would love to hear from you.

Read the full article on the Fuse website: https://fuseopenscienceblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/spark-ideas-inspire-change-and-fuel.html

• Research