Building Your Toolkit: Eight Essential Workshops at ResComm 2025

The Research and Development Office and HDFC Library at Ashoka University have organised ResComm 2025, a three-day conclave (17-19 December) focused on research communication. The event brings together an exciting mix of researchers, educators, communicators, and industry professionals for anyone who wants their work to be seen, understood, and remembered.

The conclave has lined up eight practical workshops to equip you with the tools you need. You’ll learn through them how to craft a visual story, interpret data successfully, navigate grant writing, tackle ethical dilemmas and AI, and strategically plan your research career.

DAY 1

Workshop 1: The Impact of Visualizations in Enhancing Research Communication

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Trainers: Dr. Manisha Pathak, Dr. Kallol Das, Dr. Ambesh Tripathi & Dr. Debbie Dhar, Sage

Excellent research merits effective dissemination. This workshop will teach the strategic use of visualisation to convert data and complex findings into clear, compelling narratives. Participants will learn to employ intentional design, narrative principles, and deliberate communication strategies to significantly enhance the reach and impact of their work. The session focuses on expanding the accessibility and influence of research projects across diverse audiences even beyond one's immediate field.

Workshop 2: Communicating Research through Visual Narratives

2:00 – 5:30 PM

Trainer: Prof. Vishwajyoti Ghosh, Ashoka University

Learn how to translate research into resonant visual stories. Guided by a leading voice in graphic storytelling, this workshop will demonstrate how illustrations, comics, and visual narratives can amplify the impact of scholarly communication. Participants will be equipped with practical skills in using visualization tools and creative methods to render scholarly content into engaging, accessible formats, thereby bridging the gap between research and public engagement.

Workshop 3: Decoding the Mysteries of Grant Writing (Humanities & Social Sciences)

2:00 – 4:00 PM

Trainer: Dr Poonam Sehgal, Representative, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft 

Grant writing can seem like a daunting and nuanced task, particularly within the Humanities and Social Sciences. This workshop is particularly designed to demystify the process by providing clear, step-by-step guidance on the essential components of a strong proposal. Attendees will explore common reviewer expectations and learn effective strategies for articulating a project's intellectual significance and impact. Through practical instruction, participants will gain the knowledge needed to craft well-structured, and compelling grant applications.

Workshop 4:  Unmasking Truth: The Art & Allure of Research Integrity

4:20 – 5:30 PM

Trainer: Sheevendra Sharma, Vice President, CIntelligence Pvt. Ltd.

Research integrity forms the building block of credible scholarship. This workshop engages participants in critical discussions on ethical communication, responsible dissemination practices and intellectual property rights surrounding research work. Through an examination of real-world case studies on ethical dilemmas in research, attendees will get to explore how transparency and accountability underpin meaningful and trustworthy academic productions.

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Day 2

Workshop 5:  Visualizing the World of Research & Education: Advancing Scientific Communication

2:50 – 3:30 PM

Trainer: Dr. Prerna Bhanushali, Associate Director – Customer Success, Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE)

Digital tools can reshape how scientific knowledge is shared, understood, and applied. This workshop explores the strategic power of video-based communication for advancing research and education. Guided by JoVE’s Dr Bhanushali, participants will learn how well-crafted visual demonstrations can clearly communicate complex research, improve methodological transparency, and engage broader interdisciplinary audiences. One will further gain the skillset to design, plan, and produce effective visual content that will enhance both education and dissemination of their research work.

Workshop 6:  Crash Course in Grant and Manuscript Writing (For Sciences)

2:00 – 3:45 PM

Trainer: Dr. Savita Ayyar, Founder, Jaquaranda Tree

Aimed at emerging scientists, this practical workshop offers a step-by-step guide on the essentials of writing competitive grants applications and manuscripts. From structuring arguments and presenting data to clarifying research contributions, participants will be equipped with actionable strategies to navigate the scientific publication and funding ecosystem with greater efficacy.

Workshop 7: Charting Your Professional Career Possibilities and Planning

4:00 – 5:30 PM

Trainer: Dr. Jagadeesh Gandla, COO, Federation of Asian Biotech Associations

This workshop addresses the expansive career landscape for researchers by guiding participants through opportunities within and beyond academia. Attendees will get to assess their strengths, communicate core competencies, and design career paths that align with their professional goals. The focus of this workshop on strategic communication and effective self-presentation will further equip participants with key skills for pursuing a rewarding and versatile career.

Workshop 8: From Numbers to Narratives: A Microsoft-Powered Workshop on Data Storytelling

4:00 – 5:30 PM

Trainers: Pranjali V. Bramhe (Microsoft Certified Trainer) & Dr. Shantanu Ganguly, Director, Library Operations

In this workshop participants will gain the knowledge of transforming complex datasets into insightful and engaging stories. Utilising analytical tools provided by Microsoft, the session will explore the key competencies required in dashboard creation, pattern interpretation, and techniques for communicating data-driven insights across disciplines.

Author:

Ramyani Kundu