Case Study: Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS)

Overview

The Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS) is Africa's leading independent public policy research and think tank focused on evidence-based policy solutions across the twelve member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

I worked with GLISS during a critical period of growth and institutional consolidation to strengthen its digital communications, research visibility, and internal digital systems, ensuring that complex policy work could reach public, media, and policy audiences in clear, credible, and accessible ways.

My role bridged research, communications, technology, and operations, positioning GLISS as a digitally competent, publicly authoritative, and media-ready policy institution.

Context & Strategic Challenge

Think tanks face a recurring structural challenge:

• High-quality research that struggles to reach non-academic audiences
• Websites that function as archives rather than knowledge platforms
• Policy work that remains siloed from digital engagement
• Events and dialogues that lack sustained digital afterlife

For a regional institution like GLISS, operating across multiple countries and policy spaces, this challenge is magnified by the need for:

• Clarity across complexity
• Consistent institutional voice
• Strong digital infrastructure
• Credible public-facing communication

My Strategic Contribution

I supported GLISS as an embedded digital advisor, working across communications, knowledge management, and operational systems to ensure that research outputs, policy engagements, and institutional activity translated into lasting digital assets.

My work focused on four strategic areas:

• Research visibility and narrative translation
• Website and digital knowledge systems
• Digital communications and public engagement
• Institutional digital operations and advisory support

Key Areas of Work & Impact

1. Translating Complex Research into Public-Facing Authority

GLISS produces rigorous, evidence-based research addressing sensitive and complex regional issues. My role involved ensuring that this work did not remain confined to policy circles alone.

I developed and implemented digital storytelling approaches that:

• Simplified complex research findings without diluting substance
• Translated policy language into accessible narratives for broader audiences
• Maintained institutional credibility while avoiding overly corporate or academic tone

This approach strengthened GLISS' public authority and increased engagement across digital platforms, positioning the institute as a trusted source of policy insight.

2. Website as a Knowledge Infrastructure (Not Just a Platform)

I oversaw the continuous development and optimization of the GLISS website as a living research and knowledge hub, rather than a static repository.

This included:

• Improving UI/UX to accommodate evolving research outputs
• Structuring policy briefs, articles, and publications for discoverability
• Ensuring seamless navigation and accessibility across content types
• Maintaining site performance, reliability, and real-time updates

The result was a website that functioned as both an institutional archive and a public-facing policy resource.

3. Digital Documentation of Policy Engagements & Events

GLISS convenes high-level policy dialogues, expert panels, and regional engagements. I led digital documentation and amplification of these activities to ensure that events generated long-term digital value.

This work included:

• Professional photography and visual documentation
• Livestreaming and video production
• Post-event content development and circulation
• Digital amplification of radio, TV, and media appearances

By treating events as content ecosystems rather than one-off moments, GLISS expanded the reach and lifespan of its policy conversations.

4. Strategic Digital Communications & Media Amplification

I supported GLISS' communications function by crafting and coordinating:

• Press releases and briefing materials
• Digital campaign assets
• Research highlights and policy takeaways

These materials were strategically aligned with media appearances, publications, and public engagements, ensuring message consistency across channels and reinforcing institutional credibility.

5. Institutional Digital & IT Advisory

Beyond communications, I provided strategic guidance on internal digital systems and infrastructure, supporting GLISS' operational effectiveness.

This included advisory support on:

• Digital tools and platforms
• Cybersecurity and data storage practices
• IT procurement (hardware, connectivity, technical support)
• Digital readiness for researchers and staff

This work ensured that the institute's internal systems supported — rather than constrained — its research and policy mission.

6. Data Visualization & Policy Communication

To enhance the impact of GLISS' research outputs, I translated complex datasets and findings into clear, visually compelling formats using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Tableau, and Google Data Studio.

These visual assets:

• Improved comprehension of policy issues
• Supported presentations, publications, and media engagement
• Made research insights accessible to non-technical audiences

Outcomes & Strategic Value

Through this work, GLISS strengthened its ability to:

• Communicate complex policy research clearly and credibly
• Maintain a strong, consistent digital institutional presence
• Extend the reach and lifespan of policy dialogues and events
• Operate with improved digital and operational efficiency
• Position itself as a modern, media-ready regional think tank

Relevance for Other Organizations

This case study is particularly relevant for:

• Think tanks and research institutions
• Policy advocacy organizations
• Regional and multi-country initiatives
• NGOs working at the intersection of research, governance, and public communication

Especially those seeking to transform research output into influence, visibility, and public authority.