Digital content strategy for science and research organisations

Whether you’re launching a new research initiative, refreshing your digital channels, or trying to reach decision-makers beyond academia, I help research funders, institutes and scientific bodies focus their goals to produce content that their audience needs.

Is your content strategy just saying what happened?

You make great science happen. You’re improving lives. But your digital communications only focus on the latest funding round or newly published paper. You’re telling the audience: “This has happened, now move on”. They need more from your editorial content and so do the platforms where you publish your impact.

After 15+ years in digital content production I see the same challenges for communications teams:

Siloed content: publishing is ad-hoc and reactive without a unified digital strategy or editorial calendar. Your website is a repository for press releases.
Audience mismatch: you’re asking your audience to listen but it’s not clear what’s in it for them. You’re making content for internal stakeholders, not your audience.
Resource strain: the channels are hungry and you’re trying to manage too many spaces without clear priorities. It’s hard to slow the hamster wheel, I’ve been there.
Unclear impact: leadership don’t see how your digital efforts support strategic goals. There’s more to this than a monthly analytics report.

Getting this right isn’t easy. But my goal is to partner with you and help work it out together so that the impact of your research shines through.

Content strategy services

I offer all of these services individually, or we can create a programme of work to suit your needs. The best place to start is with a free discovery call to help understand where you or your team is at.

Digital channel and content audits

Comprehensive review of your existing website, social media channels and digital publications.
Analysis of content performance and audience engagement.
Actionable recommendations to address content gaps and remove low-performing content.

Audience-centred strategy development

Clear definition of key stakeholder personas (policymakers, funders, public, academic peers).
Mapping content formats and messaging to specific audience behaviors and needs.
Defining channel-specific goals so every platform serves a distinct purpose.

Frameworks and editorial workflows

Clear recommendations around content pillars and production pipelines.
Guidelines for voice, tone and translating complex science into digital-first formats.
Workflows designed to help your team create the right content, not just more content.

Measurement and impact models

Establishing pragmatic KPIs aligned with organisational objectives.
Reporting approaches that help demonstrate the impact of your work to senior leadership.

Who is this for?

If you’re looking to overhaul your digital presence or refresh your impact storytelling online then my content strategy consulting services are a good fit. They’re suitable for:

Research funders and institutions
Communications leaders and teams
Scientific consortia and universities

Work with me if you want...

An outside perspective from someone who understands the inside. I have a life sciences PhD and understand research culture, academic nuances and complex methodologies. I’ve also led high-performing in-house research communication teams. I know both sides inside out.
An honest collaborator. As a critical friend I can see what’s missing or needs to be taken away from your content and I’ll tell you. I’m at my best when working with a team, not just for them. I care about your goals and want to find the best way to get them seen.
To focus on your audience’s needs, not just your internal priorities. Once we work together we’ll find that beautiful sweet spot where the things that matter to you align with what your audience wants.