15-16 April 2026
The Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) spearheaded a hybrid seminar-writeshop titled “Strategic Popularization of Academic Research and Knowledge: Transforming Data, Research Beyond the Pages.” The activity welcomed educators, researchers, and knowledge advocates both online and onsite.
This initiative aims to equip researchers to produce high-impact materials, making their educational research more visible and impactful within the university and beyond.
During the virtual session on the first day, CERI Director Janet Lynn M. Balagtey opened the event by emphasizing the need for academic visibility.
“Research should not be remained confined to pages, shelves or databases, Instead, it must be communicated in ways that is accessible, engaging, and impactful,” she said.
In his message, IHFSA Director Christopher Deponio, representing VP for Research and Extension Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres, introduced the LOOK framework for research popularization: Locate the data that has the potential for real-world application; Outline – Select through information to separate what is truly useful, recognizing that not all academic data is relevant to a specific audience; Optimize -Translate complex, recognizing that not all academic data is relevant to a general audience; and Keep – keep the located data can be referenced or clarified in the future.
“I challenge you, being participants, students, faculty, that you have to become ambassadors – people who will bring knowledge from the academe into useful purposes,” Deponio urged.
Following the rationale provided by Knowledge Management Division Chief Julienne Cariño, resource speakers shared technical insights in various topics.
Adrian Chris P. Velasco, Information Officer II of the Agricultural Training Institute CAR, opened the technical sessions with “The Visual Spark: Designing High-Impact Research IEC Materials.” He provided practical tips for designing high-impact posters and visual narratives. He emphasized that “breathing space” and larger font sizes are critical for readability and advised designers to be guided with the basic principles of layout. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, noting that resources like youtube and trainings are invaluable for improving design.
College of Information Sciences Faculty Member Rencel Ian M. Bono also tackled the topic on design of brochures and flyers. He discussed the differences between IEC materials and formats, material conceptualization, design principles, and the software to be used. He introduced a guiding formula where the combination of audience, objective, and content results in effective material.
Director of Office of the Extension Services Director Cheryll C. Launio discussed the preparation of the policy briefs. Her presentation focused on the contents and tips on policy brief development. She described a policy brief as an advocacy communication tool and a way to disseminate research results to a non-specialized audience.
In their presentations, the three speakers emphasized the importance of identifying the target audience when designing IEC materials and preparing policy briefs.
“Understanding audience is a step towards effective material,” Bono said.
Finally, College of Arts and Humanities Faculty Member Kara S. Panolong presented the topic “Narrative Lens,” focusing on how to design visuals for the eyes while presenting for the ears. She provided practical tips on slide presentation and audio delivery.
Panolong encouraged presenters to dress professionally, rehearse, seek feedback, and have fun. She reframed the common fear of public speaking: “It is good to be nervous because it means that you are excited about something. You are nervous because it is going to be a presentation that will challenge you.”
The following day, university researchers gathered at the Everlasting Hall for a hands-on workshop, applying the design principles discussed during the first session to their own IEC materials. Participants then presented their work for evaluation and feedback from Velasco, one of the resource speakers.//
