Research Impact: What It Is and How to Plan for It

    Research impact refers to the positive effects that your research can have beyond academic circles, contributing to society, the economy, and the environment. It’s about how research can influence real-world change—whether improving public health, informing policy, driving innovation, or enriching culture.

    According to the European Commission, research impact encompasses benefits to the economy, society, public policy, health, and more​. This  framework distinguishes between the pathways leading to impact, like dissemination activities, and the actual impacts, which are the long-term changes or benefits.

    ​Whether you're conducting basic or applied research, impact may look different depending on your field, but it always reflects how research leads to meaningful, demonstrable change. These effects can be immediate or take years to manifest, and they may vary in scale, from local to global.

    To make your research impactful, it’s essential to plan early. We provide a series of tools that can guide you through planning and measuring the impact of your research. These resources can help you:

    • Identify who might benefit from your work
    • Engage stakeholders early in the research process
    • Monitor and communicate your research's potential to make an impact

    Explore the toolkit to get started on your pathway to impact and ensure your research makes a difference where it matters most.