SACEMA Quarterly Magazine on Epidemiology

The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA) is a national research center, focusing on research in quantitative modelling of the spatial and temporal patterns of diseases (e.g. HIV, TB, malaria).

Most of the research output of SACEMA, similar to that of most academic institutions, is published in peer reviewed journals. After publication press releases might be send out, after which journalists try to interpret the findings of the studies themselves. However, it can actually be seen as an obligation of researchers themselves to find a way to communicate findings to the broader public.

As a lot of the work is of a highly technical and mathematical nature, SACEMA was looking for an effective way to communicate its research findings in such a way that these are accessible to the interested health professional and policy-maker. Goal was not only to bring SACEMA and its work to the attention, but also to give others operating in this field an opportunity to present their work.

Together with Epi Result, the SACEMA Quarterly Magazine on Epidemiology was developed; an online magazine produced every three months, including an editorial, 3 articles, and a section presenting short items on recent publications, conference announcements and reports related to the work of SACEMA, in every issue.

Epi Result makes a proposal for the content of the magazine at the beginning of each quarter and after discussion with the editorial team approaches the authors. Articles are subsequently edited and formatted. Epi Result also compiles the short items page and Dr. Annette Gerritsen occasionally writes an article herself. Furthermore, in collaboration with Red Earth Web Design the actual E-newsletter is produced and distributed.

The first edition of the magazine was launched in March 2009 and send to about 370 contacts of SACEMA. In February 2010, after 4 issues, the number of subscribers has grown to almost 500 and continues to rise.

Also interested in an effective way to communicate your research findings to a broader public? Contact Epi Result.