"This article traces the co-evolution between models of research communication and development. It looks at how creative and visual methods fit into this trajectory. It argues that the current growth in the accessibility of communication technologies has emerged alongside a strong revival of more li ... near, marketing-style understanding of development research communication, which threatens to undermine their progressive potential. It argues that despite development research communicators having many more options available to them, in terms of tools and approaches, and a much better understanding of how to integrate research and communication, they are also under increased pressure to prove impact, or show direct attribution. It argues that the more democratised communication becomes, the more difficult it is to do this." (Abstract) more

"Communication on climate change research has long been dominated by top-down delivery of information aimed at informing on future climate scenarios and climate-related events. However, emphasis in this field is slowly shifting to more process-oriented approaches to communication, and the need to in ... tegrate learning is receiving increasing attention. This article argues that despite the challenges in shifting research communication on climate change into a more dialogical and learning-oriented model of practice, the realities faced by communities impacted on the ground make this shift imperative. Drawing on recent research, we consider how the context in which initiatives seek to engage in research communication will and should influence what is possible and what is desirable through these new approaches. We reflect on how efforts to understand context in one particular case served to shape a communication strategy from its outset, and note the opportunities and challenges revealed through this process. We then conclude by highlighting how climate change has reinforced arguments in favour of a focus of inclusive learning processes in communication for development." (Abstract) more