Nottingham Trent University – Empowering researchers for greater impact
Client: Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
Years: 2023-2024
Participants: 35+ Research Staff across All Disciplines
The challenge
NTU sought to enhance the ability of their research staff to generate meaningful, real-world impact from their work. With the landscape of research increasingly focused on societal contributions and collaboration with external partners, NTU needed a professional development program that could address researchers at all career stages, preparing them for greater impact and engagement.
The solution
In 2023, UIIN developed a bespoke professional development program tailored to NTU’s research staff, spanning six days of interactive learning. The program combined seminars, workshops, and fireside chats with leading experts, focusing on key areas such as planning for impact, valorization pathways, and external engagement. Participants also worked on Personal Application Projects (PAPs) to apply their learning directly to their research.
This impactful program is currently being delivered again to the Blue Zone Consortium consisting of NTU, the University of Leicester and Northumbria University Newcastle in 2024.
Key topics included:
- Differentiating between academic and societal impact
- Developing an impact and entrepreneurial mindset
- Aligning research with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Engaging with external stakeholders and beneficiaries
- Valorisation pathways towards impact
- Communicating research impact and building a personal brand
The approach
UIIN’s approach centered on creating a holistic learning journey, guiding researchers through all stages of impact generation. The program was designed to be adaptable to researchers at any career level and included:
- Interactive Workshops & Seminars: Covering essential topics like impact planning, knowledge transfer, and engaging external stakeholders.
- Problem-Based Learning: Each participant worked on a Personal Application Project, focusing on real-world applications of their research.
- Mentorship and Networking: Participants received expert mentoring from established researchers and professionals, gaining insights into best practices in creating and communicating impact.
The result
By the end of the program, participants were able to:
- Identifying and communicating the academic vs. societal impact of their research.
- Applying an entrepreneurial mindset to their work.
- Aligning their research with global frameworks like the UN SDGs.
- Effectively engaging with external stakeholders and articulating the value of their research.
- Branding themselves as impactful researchers and communicating their work’s significance through various channels.
This transformative program helped researchers across disciplines develop new skills to enhance the impact and valorization of their work.
“This is the best impact program I have undertaken. The sessions explained both the why and how of impact and helped me to create meaningful relationships with stakeholders. I’ve developed new skills in effective communication, which will support the impact and valorization of my work. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to elevate the impact of their research”.
— Samantha McLean, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, NTU
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