• University of Glasgow

Research Impact: Making a Difference

Help your work to benefit society and the economy. Learn what research impact is and how to create it.

7,105 enrolled on this course

Presenting a visualisation of research results to a group

Research Impact: Making a Difference

7,105 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Discover what drives research impact and why

University research has always made a difference to human understanding. Sadly, the importance of this work isn’t always communicated to the world outside of academia - leading many academics to believe that research is undervalued in society.

In this course, you’ll discover how to co-create research impact with a wide range of stakeholders, such as industry and government. You’ll also learn to communicate the benefits that impact-driven research brings to the economy and society. Ultimately, you’ll be able to better understand, communicate and create research impact.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 13 seconds Universities have always played an important role in society, helping to shape our world and build brighter futures. But for those outside the academic community, those benefits haven’t always been obvious. Perhaps this is because researchers across all disciplines haven’t shouted quite loudly enough about the benefits that their work does bring, but that is changing. Researchers are now looking outside their university walls to build productive relationships across government, business, and a wide range of third-sector agencies. The term research impact describes this collaborative process, creating real-life benefits for others. But researchers often find that they can lack the tools and confidence needed to fully engage with this impact agenda.

Skip to 1 minute and 0 seconds This free, online course has been designed with input from a range of experts across the business, academic, and public sectors. It aims to demystify the term research impact by providing you with a comprehensive set of tools to support impact-driven research and co-creation. We’ll introduce you to the key features of the research impact process, from uncovering the wider potential of your data to identifying partners and building collaborative relationships that help all parties involved. You’ll also hear directly from stakeholders and experts, from industry funding agencies, and NGOs about what motivates them to engage with academics.

Skip to 1 minute and 40 seconds We’ve also designed course activities to help you build the skills and confidence you need, and you’ll have the chance to engage with other learners to share your insights and experiences along the way. By the end of this course, you should have the confidence and skills to articulate your impact vision and strategy. Impact is a constantly evolving journey for researchers. We hope you’ll join us in taking the first steps towards ensuring that your work will truly make a difference.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Research impact

    • An introduction to research impact

      Here we’ll learn a little about each other, introduce research impact and ask why should we care about it.

    • Research impact vision

      We’ll examine what research impact means to the individual and the first steps that can be taken to achieve your own vision.

  • Week 2

    Co-creating research impact with stakeholders

    • Working with others and finding the perfect partner

      We’ll look at examples of productive collaborations between academia and a range of external stakeholder groups.

    • Co-creation hubs

      We’ll examine the alternative strategy and benefits of co-creation hubs embedded within the university campus.

  • Week 3

    Shaping policy and research impact empowerment

    • Shaping policy

      We’ll consider how academic research can help to shape policy.

    • Research impact empowerment for you and your community

      We’ll outline strategies to embed research impact within the day-to-day workings of universities and colleges.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Develop an understanding of the concept of research impact in the Higher Education context
  • Evaluate the motivating factors for engaging in the research impact agenda
  • Explain the benefits that impact-driven research can bring to the economy and society
  • Identify success factors for impact-driven research
  • Identify success factors for collaborating with a wide range of different stakeholders including industry and civil society

Who is the course for?

This course would be of value to anyone involved in the Higher Education sector, including postgraduate students, all grades of academic staff (from young investigators to senior academics) and non-academic research professionals such as research managers.

Who will you learn with?

I am a Professor at the Institute of Cancer Research, where I am also Director of Research Impact. I am motivated by what's round the corner and the societal impact of research.

I'm a freelance Science Writer and Editor with experience in identifying and documenting the benefits of impact-driven research.

I am a Knowledge Exchange and Impact Manager working with a broad range of Arts and Humanities based subjects, focusing in particular, where research can have Cultural and Social impact.

Who developed the course?

The University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.

  • Established

    1451
  • Location

    Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 70Source: QS World University Rankings 2020

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$89/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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