Developing societal impact from research: an introduction for PGRs and ECRs

Have you heard colleagues talking about "research impact" and want to know what it is all about? Or are you already thinking about ways in which you can communicate your research findings to create real world benefits rather than just scientific publications, and need some inspiration?

You are invited to join water@leeds at a workshop event for postgraduate and early career researchers, to discuss opportunities for developing real world impacts from your research project. The workshop is applicable to researchers interested in finding ways to collaborate with a variety of non-academic audiences, such as businesses, policy makers, NGOs or the general public.

The event will provide an introduction to the support mechanisms available for impact activities at the University of Leeds. This will be followed by four spotlight talks from water@leeds researchers, who will discuss how their experiences as PhD students and/or postdoctoral researchers has allowed them to develop impacts working with diverse groups such as policy makers, charities, citizen scientists, and businesses. Plenty of time will be given for discussion and reflections.

The workshop will be hosted in the School of Earth and Environment (Seminar Rooms 8.119a and 8.119b located at SEE main reception) on 19 May, 0930-12:00.

Please register for the event here.

Agenda

• 09.30 Arrival with tea and coffee available
• 10.00 Introduction from the water@leeds team – Dr Paul Hutchings, water@leeds Associate Director for Impact
• 10.10 Planning impact, and outlining how the UoL can provide support for developing impact ideas - Ged Hall, Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL)
• 10.40 onwards water@leeds spotlight talks
  • Greta Dargie, School of Geography
  • Madison Wright, School of Engineering
  • Devakunjari Vadibeler, KTP Associate with Andel, School of Geography
  • Danielle Robinson, School of Earth & Environment
• 11.30-12.00 Questions and discussion, updates on school level impact support and upcoming water@leeds opportunities – Prof Lee Brown, water@leeds Associate Director Next Generation
• 12.00-1.00 Networking lunch

This event has been developed by water@leeds in line with two of our core missions:

Mission 3. Generate research outcomes which have major positive impacts on society and the environment, reduce inequalities and shape a better future for humankind

Mission 4. Train the next generation of water experts who will develop the knowledge, skills and interdisciplinary awareness to make a positive contribution to tackling water-related challenges