Creating Communication and Media Research Labs

This book offers the wisdom and experiences of communication/media research lab directors to provide a practical roadmap for establishing, funding, and growing a successful communication research laboratory. From the foundational steps of articulating a clear mission and securing a conducive space to the nuances of navigating funding avenues and fostering a collaborative culture, this book covers all critical aspects of lab creation and management. The edited book is divided into two main sections. Section 1 examines why one might want to create a communication/media research laboratory, introduces the design thinking process, and offers the editors 10 tips based on their own lab. In Section 2, lab directors from a wide array of institutions share their experiences building and running labs. It includes personal insights offering a unique window into the challenges and triumphs of creating and managing a communication research lab. In these chapters, readers will find advice and tips for launching and maintaining their labs. This section covers all types of universities and colleges so that it broadly appeals from private liberal arts labs to state university grant-funded labs.Through real-life examples, readers learn strategies for building a thriving lab culture is pivotal to success. This guide provides insights on recruiting and mentoring a dynamic team, fostering diversity and inclusion, and creating an environment that promotes innovation and collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect in achieving research excellence.