Research Impact workshops
Going beyond theory – Teaching you the “how” of creating and evaluating research impact
Our research impact workshops
At the Research Impact Academy, we offer a range of pre-packaged training options, or we can design a bespoke program to meet your specific needs. Our research impact workshops cover topics relevant to academics in any discipline, including research impact, pathways to impact, knowledge translation, stakeholder engagement, impact communication, and strategies to accelerate research impact.
In addition, all of our training is suitable for research impact support staff, and we have a dedicated 12-month program for those wanting in-depth development, called the Impact Catalyst Program. This “train the trainer” model equips research support staff with the skills they need to guide and accelerate impact within their organisations. No matter which option you choose, our training can be delivered online or in person anywhere in the world.
Actions, not just words
There is a lot of theory and a lot of research evidence on how to create and evaluate research impact. Theories and frameworks alone will not show you how to achieve it. When creating impact, we have to work with people – which means remaining flexible, accommodating different behaviours, and considering unique personalities and bureaucracies.
In fact, studies have demonstrated that flexibility and personalisation of strategies are essential. From the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) impact assessment, we know that 6679 impact case studies revealed over 3709 different pathways to impact, underlining just how individual and varied the process of creating research impact can be.
Our research impact training integrates theory with practice to help you get to impact faster
We realise that time is precious. Our training helps you to develop your skills through interactive, targeted workshops, while our follow-up coaching enables you to implement strategies, test them, and get ongoing advice as you go.
All workshops are informed by the latest research evidence and case studies from around the globe, ensuring that you are equipped with the most current understanding of best practice. We pride ourselves on balancing the foundations of pathways to impact with real-world insights, so that learning is sustainable and directly applicable to your day-to-day work.
What you can expect from our workshops
Pre & Post-Workshop Surveys
We use surveys to gather feedback on our performance, and to provide both participants and their organisations with insights into workshop value.
Hands-On Activities
During the workshop, participants work on relevant aspects of their own projects. You will leave with fresh ideas and a concrete plan for next steps—sometimes, all the necessary implementation can be completed during the workshop itself.
Coaching
We offer the option to add on a follow-up coaching session for each participant. This provides tailored support for any questions or concerns and helps facilitate the implementation of strategies developed in the workshop.
Action plan
Participants create an action plan aligned with their own priorities and timeframes. This ensures the time invested is maximised and that the workshop is leveraged for tangible progress in the months ahead.
Delivering research impact training globally
We have worked with partners in countries around the world—because while local contexts can vary, impact principles remain the same. If you have specific requirements or complexities, we can tailor the training further to suit your needs.
Whether online or face-to-face, we are ready to support you and your team with research impact workshops designed to help you make a real difference. Get in touch to discuss how we can work together to create a training solution that best meets your goals.
Ready to explore our range of pre-packaged workshops or craft a bespoke programme? Contact us to learn more about how the Research Impact Academy can help you accelerate and sustain your impact.
Workshops & Training
This half or full-day workshop uses planning techniques and a template to determine your project vision and goals. We examine the value of stakeholder involvement and develop strategies to deliver impact from your research. Come with an idea and leave with a plan!
This full-day workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of research impact, focusing on how to plan for impact creation and how to easily capture and communicate impact to take research to the next level.
This half or full-day workshop looks at how organisations are developing structures, processes and capacity to meet the growing demands of planning for, capturing and reporting on Research Impact
Engaging for Impact:
Stakeholder Engagement Workshop
Unlock the power of collaboration with our Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, designed to equip researchers and project leaders with the tools to build meaningful partnerships that drive impact. This workshop is perfect for those seeking to strengthen their networks, refine their stakeholder strategies, and enhance the relevance and success of their projects.
Our “Research Impact Acceleration” workshop equips you with the tools, strategies, and mindset to communicate, disseminate, and translate research findings more effectively. Discover a range of methods—from low-cost, quick-win tactics to higher-impact investments—so you can tailor your approach and achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes.
Unlock the power of Research Impact Case Studies with our immersive half-day workshop, tailored to equip researchers and research support professionals with the tools and confidence to craft compelling impact narratives.
A comprehensive approach to REF, RAE and other impact narrative writing.
Grant Writing & Specific Grant Workshops
This two -day workshop focuses on the elements required for successful grant applications. We look at government funding, philanthropic funding, and industry funding to help you succeed no matter what the source.
This workshop supports researchers in their development of three sections of the application.
Innovation and Creativity, Significance, & the Capability section.
In this training, we share our specialised model of structuring each element to include the necessary details without repetition across the sections.
This workshop is designed to guide and advise academics on communicating the research impact they have achieved across the research pipeline. The workshop goes through the specific requirements of the impact track record elements and provides specific guidance on what to include and where.
NHMRC: Investigator Grant Application
(Full proposal & track record)
This workshop supports participants through the process of planning their application, writing a vision and knowledge gain sections, writing a compelling impact narratives in your track record, and showcasing leadership contributions. We want to help participants take their work to the next level. This workshop will build the skills, and help participants understand tools to capture meaningful information to use when writing about knowledge gain, leadership, top 10 publications and impact in grant applications.
Specialised Programs
The SKTT™ workshop was developed at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. A world-leader in KT research and practice, SickKids is partnering with the Research Impact Academy™ to offer a tailored SKTT™ curriculum relevant to the Australian & New Zealand context.
The Impact Catalyst Program is the worlds first and most comprehensive Research Impact Practitioner training program. This year long program supports administration staff working to facilitate impact within their organisations.
Build your own adventure (workshops & training)
We have a range of modules that can be put together to create your bespoke workshop experience.
Translation basics
Explore knowledge translation and research impact theory including definitions, terminology, the system, models and frameworks.
KT planning
Learn how to develop your KT goals, strategies and plan, and determine the resources and budget you’ll need.
Impact
Learn about impact and plan for different activities, indicators and the types of evidence and measures you can capture to show your impact.
Communication
Learn how to pitch and summarise your project and talk about KT and impact using plain language in grants and with stakeholders.
Presentation skills
Learn how to be an engaging and influential presenter, confident in presentation structure and storytelling for diverse audiences.
Building networks
Learn how to map and build a powerful network of collaborators. Develop a clear value proposition and understanding of roles, people, behaviour and communication platforms for working with and managing stakeholders.
Organisational strategies for achieving impact
Take a KT journey with your team from where you currently operate to where you would like to be in the future. Deepen your understanding of how to drive culture change and plan for and create research impact.
Fundamentals of implementation
Learn the basics of how to implement research in a way that maximises impact.
Building your research profile for a successful career
Learn online and offline strategies to promote your research and its meaningful impact to enjoy new career success.
Strategies for gaining research funding
Find out how to use knowledge translation to become a top contender for funding.
What people are saying about our workshops & training…
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