One of the primary challenges we encounter is translating complex scientific and technical information into accessible and understandable content for our diverse stakeholders”
Daniel Matilla works as Communications Manager in Sustainable Innovations (SIE), one of our consortium partners. He oversees all the tasks related to communicating and disseminating the FASTEST project, such as the website, the social media, organising webinars or supporting partners in their attendance to events.
1. What are the challenges when it comes to communicating the research and development aspects of the project to various stakeholders?
One of the primary challenges we encounter is translating complex scientific and technical information into accessible and understandable content for our diverse stakeholders. The FASTEST project involves advanced methodologies and technologies, which are difficult to understand for those without a technical background. Therefore, bridging this gap and effectively communicating the significance and implications of our R&D activities is a constant endeavour that implies collaboration from all the partners and knowing well who are you addressing.
At Sustainable Innovations we try to always make sure that communications are technically accurate and are crafted for a specific target audience The review process is key: the experts on the topic must double-check that everything is correct, and my role is more about confirming that everything is accurate for the specific target audience. For example, if we publish something on social media or the website, we try to use a non-technical perspective, but if promote a scientific paper that is result from the project, it must be addressed to expert audiences. Once we have all of this clear, it is time to communicate.
2. Why is it essential for projects like FASTEST to have a robust communication and dissemination strategy?
A robust communication ensures that the significant investment of resources and effort put into R&D projects like FASTEST, which the European Union funds, does not go unnoticed or underutilised. By effectively disseminating our daily work, findings, and results, we maximise the impact of the project research within the scientific community, industry, policymakers, investors, etc., driving further innovation and collaboration. In fact, one of the most important points of our Dissemination and Communication Plan is the clustering strategy with similar projects.
Additionally, transparent and accessible communication fosters trust and credibility, both crucial elements for maintaining stakeholder engagement and support throughout the project lifecycle. A strong communication strategy not only enhances the visibility and impact of our project but also contributes to the broader goal of advancing knowledge and technology in the field of battery research and development, as well as enhances collaboration between the different links of the value chain.