FAQs
How can I access my account after changing workplaces or emails?
If you’ve changed your email, go to the Acume free account and click the “Changed Email?” button. This will take you to a form where you can update your email address.
If you can still log in with your old email, you can update your email address directly under your profile settings.
I have another question that isn't listed here.
For any further inquiries, please reach out to us directly at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to assist you.
How do I sign up to make summaries or participate as an expert on Acume?
Sign up by creating a free account. Simply provide your details, and once registered, you can start contributing summaries and indicating your availability for expert consultations.
Do I need to pay to join Acume?
No, joining Acume, publishing summaries, and signing up as an expert is completely free. We are committed to democratising access to academic knowledge, and we do not charge academics to contribute to our platform nor anyone to read these contributions.
You can sign up here
Who is eligible to publish research summaries on Acume?
Academics, researchers, and subject-matter experts from the humanities, social sciences, behavioural sciences, or working on an SDG-related topic are eligible to publish on Acume. This includes current academics, PhD candidates, and researchers using academic methodologies. If you’re active at a university, sign up for an academic account. If not, sign up as a non-academic researcher—ideal for those working independently, at NGOs, think tanks, or outside of academia. We welcome diverse contributions to ensure a broad, inclusive pool of knowledge.
You can get started here
Can I join Acume if I'm not currently affiliated with a university?
Yes, you can. You can join as a non-academic researcher, or if applicable, link your profile to your previous university affiliation.
Can other academics from my institution or co-authors from my research paper join Acume?
Absolutely! We welcome different perspectives and encourage multiple academics from the same department, university, or co-authored research to join Acume.
When co-authors join, they can be linked to your summary and attributed as part of the original research, but it’s not yet possible for them to be listed as co-authors of the summary itself. The summary is authored by one researcher, offering their unique perspective on the key findings and recommendations from the research.
Does my research need to be peer-reviewed to make a summary?
No, peer-reviewed status is not required. We welcome both published and unpublished work, as long as it follows rigorous and trustworthy academic methods. To maintain transparency, we ask a few questions about your methodology. Non-academics are also welcome to contribute, as long as they follow similar standards and identify as a non-academic researcher.
You can get started here
Can my research summary on Acume be based on multiple papers, such as a series of connected studies?
Yes, you can base your research summary on multiple papers. If your research involves a series of interconnected studies, such as a PhD thesis covering different aspects of a topic, you can consolidate them into one summary. You can also list each paper, book, or study that your summary is based on.
You can get started here
For example, if you’ve conducted several studies on sustainable agricultural practices in different regions of East Africa, you could create a summary titled “Sustainable Agriculture and Development in East Africa.” In this summary, you can group key findings from all related studies and list each paper as a reference, providing a comprehensive overview of your research.
My original research is restricted under copyright—am I allowed to make a summary?
Yes, you can still create a summary even if your original research is under copyright. As the author, you’re free to share your insights in a way that serves a transformative purpose and respects copyright under fair use principles. Copyright restricts the specific text and presentation of the work, not the underlying ideas or evidence. However, we still recommend double-checking with your publisher to confirm any specific permissions or restrictions.
To ensure compliance with publisher guidelines, avoid reproducing the original text, figures, or copyrighted images directly from the publication. Instead, focus on rephrasing the main findings and sharing your unique perspective on the research in new language.
At Acume, we’ve developed a framework to make academic insights accessible to new audiences, such as policymakers and NGOs, while respecting copyright. Here’s how our approach supports this:
- Transformative summaries: Our framework encourages summaries that go beyond the original paper to focus on the research itself and ideas and opinions of the researcher. Rather than copying directly from the article, we encourage researchers to rephrase and explain key findings in a simple, practical and non-academic language, which is also necessary for making complex research accessible and available to a new non-academic audience.
- Attribution and source linking: We encourage authors to credit the original publication in the reference section and provide a direct link, so readers who need the full details can consult and reference the original paper directly.
- Purpose of Acume’s library: The purpose of Acume’s library is to make evidence and ideas accessible to non-academics to improve impact, so we have no commercial intent. We are not replacing or competing with the original publication.
Ultimately, academics have full control over their summaries, with Acume’s framework supporting compliance, accessibility, and collaboration with publishers. Ready to get started? Sign up here.
Do I retain the copyright of my research when I make a summary on Acume?
Yes, you retain full copyright of your original work. The summaries you create are independent pieces, so you are not republishing your original research, though you can choose to attach the original work if you wish.
You also retain full ownership of the summary published on Acume. While your summary is hosted on our platform, Acume has the right to distribute and promote it. If you remove your summary, it will no longer be available on the platform, and we will cease further distribution or promotion. However, any social posts, marketing, or other materials already created or shared with third parties will not be retracted.
Do I need to upload the original research paper when contributing a summary?
No, it’s not necessary to upload the full paper. We only require a concise summary of your research. If you have an open-access version, we encourage you to include a link so readers can explore it further.
You also have the option to upload a version of your paper directly to Acume, where it will be available as a downloadable link. This is optional and should only be done if you have the rights to distribute that version freely.
How do I manage and edit my research summaries on Acume?
You have full control over your research summaries on Acume. Once your first summary is published, you can manage and edit your summaries at any time.
To make changes, simply log into your account using your registered email, navigate to your list of summaries, and click the ‘Edit’ option next to the one you’d like to update. Your edits will be reflected immediately on the platform.
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Can I delete a summary?
If you decide to remove your research summary from Acume, simply email us at [email protected]. We will promptly delete your summary or move it back into draft mode, according to your preference.
What is the paid expert advisory session process like?
Once you are matched with an organisation and agree to the terms, you’ll be provided with the full challenge details and any necessary reading materials. This preparation should take no more than an hour and should be done a few hours before the consultation to allow time for reflection. We’ll also provide a guide to help you prepare. The consultation itself lasts one hour, where you will offer expert insights, advice, or a critical review. Payment is processed once the client confirms their satisfaction.
You can sign up here
How does Acume handle expert session payments?
For expert consultations, Acume takes a fair commission to sustain the platform. The offer you receive will clearly state the total amount you’ll be paid, with no further deductions. Payment is processed once the client confirms they are satisfied with your consultation. Payments are typically made within 14 days, though delays may occur—we are actively working to speed up this process. If any issues arise, Acume will mediate between both parties to find a resolution. In rare cases, if the client remains unsatisfied for valid and proven reasons, payment may not be finalised.
What if I’m unavailable for an expert session?
If you receive an offer but are unavailable, you can decline without any issues, and you’ll still be considered for future opportunities.
However, if you’ve already committed to a session and become unavailable, please inform us as soon as possible so we can manage the situation.
How does Acume help organisations like mine?
Acume connects organisations with tailored expert advice and concise research summaries designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. We provide quick access to niche, global expertise and reliable evidence to help you solve challenges, improve project design, and ensure your strategies are backed by actionable insights.
Our free Evidence Bank offers open access to practitioner-friendly research summaries, while our Expert Advisory Service delivers specialised guidance from experts carefully matched to your specific needs. Rather than relying on internal reviews, our external experts offer objective assessments that save you time and help identify potential gaps or solutions more efficiently.
By offering an affordable, time-saving alternative to traditional consultancy, Acume empowers organisations to make informed, impactful decisions that reflect the real-world needs of the communities they serve.
I am a researcher from the sector, can I also share my research?
Yes, you can! Sign up for a free researcher profile by visiting this link, and you’ll be able to share your organisation’s research as a summary in our database.
Is Acume’s research library free to access?
Yes, the Evidence Bank is completely free and available here. You can browse and access research summaries from global academics without any cost or limits, allowing you to leverage high-quality insights for your work.
How does Acume prioritise diverse perspectives?
Acume is committed to amplifying voices from underrepresented regions and communities. We actively seek out experts with deep knowledge of local contexts and cultures, ensuring that the advice you receive is both diverse and culturally relevant, giving you new ways to approach your challenges.
What is Acume’s expert advisory service?
Acume’s expert advisory service connects you with expert advisors grounded in academic methods from across the globe, carefully matched to your specific challenge based on their background, expertise, and your organisation’s preferences. In a one-hour, one-on-one virtual session, they offer tailored, actionable advice and fresh perspectives to help you succeed. This service is available through a monthly subscription or as a one-off purchase. For the one-off option, there is an initial £250 setup fee, which is waived for additional sessions and deducted if you choose to subscribe later. Our expert advisors provide guidance on reviewing project proposals, assessing cultural relevance, adapting to new or evolving contexts, and more, ensuring your decisions are informed by diverse, expert opinions.
You can find more information here
What is included in Acume’s expert advisory session?
Each expert advisory session with Acume includes:
– Customised expert recruitment: We carefully match you with the most suitable expert for your specific challenge.
– Confidentiality agreements: Confidentiality agreements will be provided if requested by either party.
– Stakeholder preparation: We ensure your team is fully prepared ahead of the session.
– Document review: The expert will review your materials before the consultation (please submit 24 hours in advance).
– One-hour video/telephone consultation: A personalised, one-on-one session with the expert.
– End-to-end management: Acume takes care of everything from expert matching to payments.
For first-time users, the service also includes:
– Onboarding: A 20-minute session to set your preferences and establish your needs.
You can find more information here
What can I spend my subscription credits on?
Subscription credits can be used to book expert consultations or request custom research summaries. Here’s how the credit system works:
1 credit for a PhD-level / research assistant expert
2 credits for a junior / senior lecturer expert
3 credits for a full professor expert
You can also spend 3 credits to receive a bundle of 15 sponsored research summaries tailored to your specific needs. This service helps you gain direct, actionable insights to enhance your projects, policies, or strategies.
Why is Acume a cost-effective solution for organisations?
Acume is not only cost-effective but also removes the administrative hassle that often comes with using external consultants. We take care of everything—from matching you with vetted experts to managing contracts and payments—allowing you to focus on getting the insights you need. Our flexible credit system lets you consult a range of expert advisors to quickly address specific challenges, without the high fees or long-term commitments of traditional consultancy. This helps your organisation gain tailored insights, reduce in-house research costs, and avoid common pitfalls, ultimately saving both time and resources.
What types of experts can I book through Acume?
Acume’s network features expert advisors from the humanities, social sciences, and behavioural sciences, including PhD researchers, Lecturers, Professors, or their equivalents at research institutes, all focused on social impact. Our experts bring deep, contextual knowledge in areas such as international development, humanitarian aid, and public policy, with many closely connected to the communities they serve. We carefully match experts to your specific project needs and preferences, ensuring the advice you receive is directly relevant to your challenge. If the right expert isn’t currently in our network, we’ll actively source one for you.
You can get started here
What is Acume’s vetting process for experts?
We ensure the quality of insights by conducting a thorough vetting process for every expert on our platform. This includes verifying their identity, credentials, and professional experience to ensure they are reliable and reputable. Our goal is to connect you with experts who provide informed, credible guidance. However, it’s important to remember that the advice given is based on the expert’s informed opinion. We encourage you to engage critically with the insights and ask for evidence or rationale during your advisory sessions to support any claims.
What is the time commitment for using an expert advisory session?
Engaging with an expert advisor requires minimal time investment. The initial onboarding consultation takes about 20 minutes to set your preferences. For future sessions, you’ll simply send us the brief directly. Each expert session lasts one hour, and we ask that you provide any relevant materials for the expert to review at least 24 hours prior to the consultation, or ideally when confirming the session.
What languages are supported for consultations?
Currently, our consultations are conducted exclusively in English. We aim to change this as we grow.
How quickly can I get access to expert advisors?
Once you request an advisory session, we typically match you with a suitable expert within a 3-4 business days. The exact timing depends on the complexity of your request and expert availability, but we strive to provide fast, efficient service to meet your project deadlines.
Can I purchase a one-off expert advisory session?
Yes, you can book a one-off expert advisory session without subscribing. The first consultation has a £200 setup fee, which is waived for any additional bookings and will be deducted if you decide to subscribe later. This option gives you the flexibility to access expert advice as needed, without any long-term commitment.
You can find more information here
What if an expert advisory session doesn’t meet my expectations?
If the consultation doesn’t meet your expectations, let us know within 5 days and we’ll ask for brief feedback to understand what went wrong. If the session didn’t deliver, you won’t be charged, or we can arrange a new expert for you—whichever you prefer.
What is Acume’s policy on conflict of interest during expert advisory sessions?
At Acume, we maintain a strict policy on conflicts of interest to uphold the integrity of our consultations. Experts are required to disclose any potential conflicts, including personal beliefs or affiliations that might influence their advice. Our platform is designed to offer objective, unbiased insights (to the extent that is possible). We ensure this by thoroughly vetting experts and requiring transparent disclosure of any conflicts at the start of each consultation.
What is the cancellation policy for a booked expert consultation?
Our cancellation policy is designed to respect both our clients’ and experts’ time.
For subscription clients:
– Cancellations made more than 4 hours before the scheduled advisory session will incur no charge or penalty.
– If you cancel less than 4 hours in advance, a one-credit fee will be deducted.
For one-time clients:
– Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance incur no fee.
– Cancellations made less than 24 hours but more than 4 hours before the advisory session will incur a £50 penalty.
– For cancellations within 4 hours of the scheduled session, the full fee is non-refundable.
You can reschedule without penalty if done more than 24 hours in advance.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Our typical subscriptions run for 12 months, but you can cancel at any time, with the cancellation taking effect the following month. If you cancel within the first two months due to dissatisfaction, we will also refund any unused credits for that period.