Knowledge translation, mobilization and research impact is flooding the globe and bringing research benefits to society. Let’s explore where it all started – and how you can now transform your impact from anywhere in the world with the Research Impact Summit.
Tracing research impact’s evolution
Terms like knowledge translation and research impact, and others that mean similar things, have been around for many years. There are great examples of how translation and impact has evolved over the last 25 years.
Back in 2000, for example, the Canadian Institute of Health Research introduced and defined the term ‘knowledge translation’. Soon after, the Canadian Social Science and Humanities Research Council introduced the term ‘knowledge mobilization’.
A little later, in 2007, Australia’s Labor Government developed a method for assessing research impact. At the time, the assessment was known as the Research Quality Framework. Then, with a change in government in 2013, focus shifted from impact to research productivity and traditional academic outputs.
However, the impact assessment idea was picked up by the United Kingdom. There, the research sector began piloting impact and went on to embed it within their Research Excellence Framework in 2014. This has subsequently become the most dominant assessment in the global research impact sector.
Research impact in motion
The evolving terminology and assessment processes have caused plenty of confusion along the way. With change, we are called on to adapt. And this has led many researchers, research administrators, and research funders to duck for cover. Meanwhile, others have flourished in this newfound world.
Dr Tamika Heiden, Founder and Principal of the Research Impact Academy, has witnessed and been a part of the world’s ever-growing focus on translation and impact.
“I have seen the associated confusion when it comes to what impact really means to the sector – and to those assessing it,” says Dr Heiden.
“So, the Research Impact Academy sought to develop an innovative conference that would make impact easier for everyone. No matter where they are in the world.”
About the Research Impact Summit
Delivered annually by the Research Impact Academy, the Research Impact Summit educates and informs on global developments in the translation and impact ecosystem. Every year, researchers, research funders, and research support staff tune in from around the world. And together, they learn how to bring more research benefits to society, faster.
Delivered online, over two days, the Summit is not your typical academic conference.
“We pre-record indepth interviews, fireside chats, with eminent impact experts from around the world,” explains Dr Heiden. “They share compelling real life stories and insights with you, and reveal the ‘how to’ of their specialist expertise – no hiding behind PowerPoint slides and reciting notes!”
Summit speakers approach impact from different angles – because we can’t create impact alone. But they all share one thing in common: they are stellar communicators. Summit speakers will captivate you and leave you with key takeaways to apply in your research practice.
Picture yourself watching the Summit, pen in hand, and not wanting to miss a moment of the value and insights unfolding. If this sounds like an experience you’re looking for, you won’t want to miss this year’s Summit.
Here’s how it works. Importantly, thanks to sponsors, the Summit is easy to access. Each interview lasts for between 30 and 45 minutes. Interviews are freely available online for 72 hours after launch, so you can watch all the action in your time zone. You won’t need to stay up in the middle of the night to be a part of this conference.
With this innovative delivery model, the Research Impact Academy is disrupting the conference experience, and empowering the research impact sector to shape societal change.
We’ve traced the impact evolution through the last 25 years to today. And the Summit is primed to help you drive impact forward. Now in its 7th year, the Summit will go live on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 October. Register now and see what all the fuss is about!
The Research Impact Academy empowers researchers, research managers, and funders to unlock their impact potential. Whether you’re starting your journey or ready to level-up your impact, the Research Impact Academy is here to help. As Principal of the Research Impact Academy, Dr Tamika Heiden is recognised as a pioneer in the knowledge translation and research impact landscape in Australia and internationally. With valued partners and clients around the world, spanning diverse disciplines and sectors, Dr Heiden and team are ready to help you create, communicate, and evaluate impact. Find out more at www.researchimpactacademy.com.