Why is Research Impact important?

In July, The Cairns Institute, in collaboration with the Research Division at JCU, delivered the first session of our new Research Impact Training. This introductory session was part of a pilot program specifically designed for early career researchers at JCU. The training offered both informational insights and practical exercises, equipping participants with essential skills to effectively demonstrate the real-world impact of their research.

Why is Research Impact Important?
The Australian Research Council's Engagement and Impact Assessment defines research impact as "the contribution that research makes to the economy, society, environment, and culture, beyond the contribution to academic research." As Bayley and Phipps (2019) explain, "Impact is the provable effects of research in the real world. It is the changes we can see (demonstrate, measure, capture), beyond academia (in society, economy, environment) which happen because of research (caused by, contributed to, attributable to)."  economy, environment) which happen because of research (caused by, contributed to, attributable to)."
During the introductory session, researchers were guided through the following key topics:

• Understanding different types of research impact
• Planning for impact through defined pathways
• Identifying potential impacts of your research
• Identifying and engaging with stakeholders
• Stakeholder mapping
• Formulating key messages
• Creating a comprehensive impact plan

You can view the recording and access the working materials from the session here.

If you would like to be included in future training sessions, please contact The Cairns Institute's Research Manager aliyah.ravat@jcu.edu.au.