Collaborative Intelligence & the Communication Imperative: humans, machines, and the future of impact

The true impact of scientific breakthroughs depends not only on what we discover, but in how those discoveries are understood and benefit people. Effective communication is essential to translating research into real-world outcomes. This lecture will examine communication as a powerful translational engine, connecting people, machines, and systems across disciplines and communities. Using examples from AI-driven research, open science, and dissemination and implementation science, we’ll explore how collaborative intelligence between humans and machines can amplify impact when rooted in transparency and ethical design. In this time of information overload and constant technological change, communication must be intentionally crafted and integrated into the research process to foster understanding, build trust, and drive meaningful progress.