Building Research for Use, Not Just Theory

Dr. Edmund Ukwuru
Jun 27
2 min read

Too much research is designed for peer reviewers—not for real people. What if we approached research with implementation in mind from the start? What if we asked, “Who will use this?” and “How will it scale?” before our first interview or lab test? That mindset can shift our focus from theory to practical application—and it begins with intent.

The Problem

Most research is built backward. We ask academic questions, gather data, write papers—and only then wonder, “Could this be useful?” But by then, it’s often too late.

Stakeholders weren’t engaged. Communities weren’t consulted. Policymakers weren’t aware. And so, even the best research misses the chance to change lives—because it wasn’t built for use.

The traditional academic model rewards theory, not translation. But that model is cracking under the weight of unmet needs and untapped potential.

The Possibility

Imagine designing a study based on a community’s real questions or developing tools alongside the practitioners who will use them. This type of translational thinking can transform both the research and the researcher.

Approaches to Monetizing your Research

1 December 2025 at 10:00 – 4 December 2025 at 16:00Lekki

By incorporating use-focused design principles such as human-centered design, implementation science, or systems thinking, researchers can produce work that’s not only publishable but relevant. For example, a school district that collaborated with researchers to analyze student retention rates successfully implemented changes that increased graduation rates by 15% over two years.

When research is designed for practical use, it doesn’t stay on the shelf. Instead, it flows into clinics, classrooms, communities, and leads to meaningful change.

Close-up view of a researcher analyzing data on a notepad — Researcher focused on data analysis

The Solution

The Translational Research Forum will demonstrate how to design studies with the end user in mind.

Join us for sessions such as:

“Design Thinking for Academics” where you'll learn to empathize with end users.
“Co-Creating Research with End Users” focusing on direct engagement with communities.
“Building Prototypes Alongside Publications” allowing for iterative feedback and improvement.

Participants will discover how to involve stakeholders early on, test feasibility before full-scale launch, and define success through both academic citations and tangible outcomes. You will hear from researchers who have successfully incorporated implementation strategies into their methods, leading to higher community engagement and better results.