Research translation
We help research-led organisations increase their impact by communicating why their work matters beyond academia and engaging partners who can apply it.
The UK produces world-leading research.
But too often, its value is hard to see – unless you’re already close to it.
Complex language, fragmented narratives, and audiences left to join the dots themselves. Which means important ideas don’t travel as far as they should.
Research doesn’t lack excellence; it lacks clarity.
And if it’s not clear, it doesn’t matter – at least not beyond academia.
“Great work as always!”
Professor Linda Newnes, Centre Director, People-Led
“Firehaus were great to work with. They explained everything and discussed our choices.”
Professor Jill MacBryde, Director, Interact
How it works in practice
Across People-Led and InterAct, the challenge wasn’t capability. It was how to make that capability matter to the people it was designed to reach.
Bringing together academics from multiple institutions created depth, but not always a shared way of expressing it.
Starting with shared purpose
We always begin here.
Because before research can matter externally, it needs to align internally.
At People-Led, this meant defining a clear purpose, mission and vision – connecting academic expertise to industry and policy priorities.
At InterAct, it meant positioning social science not as support, but as central to solving real manufacturing challenges.
Making complex ideas matter
Research is often complex by nature, but the way it’s communicated doesn’t have to be.
We shaped deep expertise into clear, structured narratives – designed for the audiences that matter: industry, funders and policymakers.
Because if people don’t understand it, they won’t use it.
Creating identities that carry meaning
Clarity needs a vehicle.
So we developed identities and brand systems that could hold and express that meaning consistently, across disciplines, institutions and outputs.
At People-Led, this meant a branded house model.
At InterAct, a new name, proposition and visual identity.
Not just to look credible, but to signal purpose – and why it matters.
The outcome
The result is research that’s easier to explain, easier to engage with, and far more likely to have impact.
Clearer shared purpose
Stronger positioning with partners and funders
More accessible, audience-led communication
Greater confidence in how research is presented
Because when research is understood, it doesn’t just inform, it influences.
And it starts to matter more.
At a glance:
Align teams around a clear purpose, mission and vision
Translate complex research into simple, audience-ready narratives
Create identities that express credibility and relevance
Tailor messaging for funders, industry, policymakers and partners
Help research travel further and deliver greater impact