There are many ways that interactive media can benefit your research.

One of the most important is the global reach of the internet. A website allows interested users world-wide to find out about your research easily and quickly. If reaching such a wide range of users is important to your programme or centre then a website will be one of the best and most cost-effective ways to do this.

Carefully planned, a website should meet the communication needs of a wide range of users, from the media to other researchers. It saves your users time and effort if they know they can get what they need directly from your website.

Similarly, it saves you time and money if users find out information for themselves. If users find the information they require on your website, you could reduce the number of telephone calls, emails or letters you need to handle.

A website allows you to set up two-way information flows with your users. Discussion foums and online polls allow you to find out what your users think. Blogs can allow you to disseminate your latest findings and receive instant feedback from users. Online debates can allow users who would otherwise not have the chance to contribute to do so.

A website can act as an effective advertisement for your research and its achievements. This may be important for attracting other investment or new staff.

You can use your website to promote events and publications or to push key messages.

Find information about developing a website.