Impact usually happens in systems of research, of community engagement and at local, regional, and national scales. But how do we learn across national borders? Conferences such as those sponsored by AESIS are excellent. National networks are forming around the broad topic of impact and we are starting to talk to each other.
Networks supporting research impact in specific topics (poverty, housing, climate change, public health, artificial intelligence etc.) are ubiquitous but there are fewer networks supporting research impact without being restricted to a discrete topic. Below are five networks, some well-established and some emerging. Despite being organized differently, early conversations show we find a lot of opportunities to learn from each other.
- Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS): this US based network is led from University of Missouri. “The purpose of ARIS is to advance impacts of research for the betterment of society and the expansion of research. We elevate research impact by providing high-quality resources and professional development opportunities and by creating connections among researchers, community partners, and engagement practitioners.” https://researchinsociety.org/
- Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN): “The ARIN platform brings together a network of scholars across Africa who have been undertaking research in various fields including natural resource management, climate change, agriculture, forestry, energy, water, trade, gender and cities to leverage their knowledge and experiences in helping research and donor organisations understand and pursue impact pathways. The team includes both top level researchers and technocrats.” https://www.arin-africa.org/about-us/
- Research Impact Canada (RIC): Led by York University, “Research Impact Canada (RIC) is committed to helping universities and other organizations across Canada maximize the impact of research for communities. From sharing best practices, co-developing resources, to delivering training in knowledge mobilization skills, we are an open and collaborative network of almost 30 research organizations (and growing!) across Canada.” https://researchimpact.ca/about-us/
- Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN): “UPEN, is a community of UK universities committed to increasing the impact of research on policy. UPEN offers a dedicated contact point for policymakers, and a collective response to requests for evidence.” https://www.upen.ac.uk/
- Vincula (Chile): Vincula is a network of universities across the country in alliance with Congress. Vincula is led by the Institute for Sustainable Development (IDS) of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Universidad de Concepción. Vincula has developed a platform and a course dedicated to foster academic capacities to policy engagement and knowledge exchange with Congress. https://vincula.cl/
We are collectively building capacity to support the societal impacts of research. Feel free to reach out to a local network to get engaged.
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