This is the fourth article in our series on AI in higher education. Explore the previous articles on human-centered curriculum, ethical framework for AI, and operations optimization.
Key Takeaways
- AI as a Research Partner: AI is transforming the research lifecycle by assisting with data analysis and information retrieval, freeing up researchers to focus on high-level critical thinking and discovery.
- Impact Beyond Citations: Measuring research success now includes public engagement and "altmetrics." This requires universities to become experts at translating complex findings for a broad, non-academic audience.
- Autonomy for Researchers: A user-friendly digital platform is essential. It empowers research teams to publish and showcase their work without being dependent on IT departments.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, its most profound impact on campus may be within the research lifecycle itself. AI tools are becoming powerful assistants, helping with everything from complex data analysis to literature reviews.
This allows researchers to offload time-consuming tasks and focus on what matters most: critical thinking, insight, and breakthrough discoveries. To fully capitalize on this, however, universities face a dual challenge: building a campus-wide culture of AI literacy and rethinking how they share their groundbreaking research with the world.
Beyond Citations: Measuring and Communicating True Impact
For decades, the primary measure of research impact has been citations in academic journals. Today, that model is evolving. Funding bodies, industry partners, and the public want to see tangible, real-world impact.
This has given rise to a focus on altmetrics—mentions in news media, policy documents, and social discussions—and requires a new skill: translating complex research for public consumption. Effectively communicating the "so what" of a new discovery is now just as important as the discovery itself.
What Are Altmetrics?
Altmetrics (alternative metrics) measure research impact beyond traditional citations. They include social media mentions, media coverage, downloads, references in public policy documents, and discussions in academic blogs. Platforms like Altmetric and PlumX aggregate this data to offer a more complete view of a research's reach.
Why They Matter
Funding agencies like Horizon Europe and NIH increasingly weigh the societal impact of research. A publication that influences public policy or generates media debate can be as valuable as one with a high traditional impact factor.
Griddo's Role in Amplifying Research Impact
The challenge of dissemination can't be solved with outdated tools and IT bottlenecks. Researchers and their communications staff need an easy, powerful way to showcase their work. This is where Griddo provides the essential infrastructure for a modern research university.
For Research Dissemination
Griddo's platform helps you create compelling digital experiences around your research. You can build dedicated microsites for major projects, showcase faculty expertise through rich profiles, and create accessible narratives that explain the societal impact of your work to a global audience.
For Content Management and Autonomy
We believe researchers should be focused on research, not on fighting with a complicated website. Griddo simplifies the process of creating and publishing all research-related content: academic papers, project summaries, data visualizations, and faculty profiles. This autonomy empowers research teams to share their findings quickly and professionally, without dependence on IT. Learn more about our technology.
Bringing It All Together: A Case Study in Impact
Imagine a university's engineering department makes a breakthrough in renewable energy. Using Griddo, their communications team quickly builds a dynamic microsite with an easy-to-understand summary, video interviews with the researchers, and links to the full paper.
The story is picked up by major news outlets, influences policy discussions, and attracts a key industry partner—all because the research was made accessible. This is the future of academic visibility.
Global Visibility in Practice: IE University
Global visibility is not just theory. IE University, with over 80% of new enrollments coming from international students, has demonstrated that a unified digital platform is fundamental for projecting institutional brand at a global scale.
With Griddo as their DXP platform, IE University has achieved a 32% reduction in web management costs, freeing up resources to invest in communicating their research and value proposition. The result: 54% revenue growth over five years, driven by their ability to connect with global audiences consistently and effectively.
Series: AI in Higher Education
- Part 1: Why a human-centered curriculum is the key to success
- Part 2: How to build a resilient ethical framework for AI
- Part 3: How AI streamlines operations and personalizes the experience
- Part 4: Fostering a culture of AI literacy and dissemination (this article)
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