Increasing Research Accessibility using Plain Language Summaries 

As researchers, it is easy to become so immersed in our specialised fields that we forget not everyone speaks our technical language. That’s where Plain Language Summaries come in – and if you’re publishing with Wellcome Open Research, they’re now a requirement for all submissions. 

In the following blog post, we look at what Plain Language Summaries are and how to write them. 

What Are Plain Language Summaries?

Plain Language Summaries, also known as lay summaries, provide an overview of your research in language that can be easily understood by non-specialists. Think of them as a bridge between your complex research findings and the wider world that could benefit from understanding them. 

Unlike traditional abstracts, which are written for fellow researchers in your field, Plain Language Summaries are designed to reach a much broader audience. This includes researchers from other disciplines, patients, policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone else who might benefit from or contribute to health improvements. Plain Language Summaries represent an exciting opportunity to make Wellcome-funded research more inclusive and engaging to those outside specific academic disciplines. 

The benefits extend far beyond simple accessibility. When diverse voices can understand and contribute to health research, problems can be tackled more effectively. Solutions become more translatable when they involve input from the communities most affected by the research. This leads to more effective decision-making and advocacy across the board.

The Proven Success of Plain Language Summaries 

Research shows that Plain Language Summaries aren’t just nice to have – they deliver real benefits for authors too. Studies indicate that articles with Plain Language Summaries are downloaded significantly more often than those without, with roughly 60% showing increased access rates. 

Articles with enhanced content like Plain Language Summaries also receive higher citation rates and improved altmetric scores, which measure attention from social media, blogs, policy documents, and news reports. For healthcare research specifically, Plain Language Summaries are considered the most useful enhancement by healthcare professionals, with 71% rating them as very or extremely useful. 

Perhaps most importantly, the availability of Plain Language Summaries increases the likelihood that healthcare professionals will share research information with patients – addressing a well-documented need among patients who often struggle to find relevant, understandable information about healthcare interventions.

Plain Language Summaries vs. Abstracts 

While both cover similar content, the key differences are stylistic and audience-focused. Your abstract condenses the article for a reader with a technical background who might read the full paper. Your Plain Language Summary translates your research for a completely different audience – people who cannot understand the full technical detail but need to grasp the key message. 

Think of it as the difference between summarising for your colleagues versus explaining your work to your neighbour, a policymaker, or a patient who might be affected by your findings.

Helpful Tips for Writing a Plain Language Summary 

Keep it Brief 

Aim for 150-200 words total, using short, clear sentences and phrases. For shorter article types like case reports, 50-100 words is sufficient. 

Avoid jargon 

If you must use technical terms or abbreviations, explain them the first time you use them. Remember, your audience may have no background in your field or research in general. 

Use active voice 

Instead of “several improvements were reported by Dr. Smith’s team,” write “Dr. Smith’s team reported several improvements.” This creates more direct, engaging prose. 

Stay accurate 

Your summary must accurately reflect your article’s data and findings. Avoid opinions or claims that could be misleading. 

Focus on the “so what” 

Make your central finding and its significance crystal clear. This should be front and centre in your summary. 

Get feedback 

Before submitting, ask someone outside your field – ideally someone without a scientific background – to read your summary. Can they understand what your research is about and why it matters? 

Consider a new title 

You can create a specific title for your Plain Language Summary that highlights your central finding, making it even more accessible and shareable. 

Think beyond publication 

Your Plain Language Summary becomes a valuable tool for research communication, social media engagement, and media outreach. 

Writing a Plain Language Summary isn’t just about meeting a requirement; it’s an opportunity to clarify your own thinking about why your research matters and who it’s for. In doing so, you’re contributing to Wellcome’s vision of making research truly accessible to everyone who could benefit from it. 

Learn more about Plain Language Summaries and submit your research to Wellcome Open Research today.