Skills for an Engaged Researcher

Will your research have an impact beyond your discipline? How can your skills and expert knowledge contribute to solving the complex problems of society? What does it take to have your research make a difference? We have designed a workshop which will give you an opportunity to examine these questions.

The ‘Research Impact’ agenda is gaining momentum around the world. The impact agenda encourages academics to mobilise research out of academia. In Australia, funders and universities are increasingly asking researchers to articulate the potential impact (or benefit) of their work. A critical pathway to impact happening is engagement. Engagement skills are relevant whether you are mobilising your own research or taking your knowledge into industry and community contexts.

Being able to communicate the value of your research and complex ideas to multiple audiences is a key skill to develop. Researchers need to be able to make research accessible to broad audience while retaining the integrity of the research. Being able to read and interpret non-academic contexts, and to collaborate with diverse teams, is also fundamental to contemporary research practice.

This session will consider the role of researchers and research in society broadly, including the shifting role of academics in light of the impact agenda. As there is no one right way to be an academic, understanding your role as a researcher is important.

Participants will generate an engagement plan based on their own philosophical beliefs about what it means to be an engaged researcher. The plan will identify potential stakeholders; engagement methods and mediums; pathways to impact; and the skills required to achieve your plan.

Why should I attend?

For those interested in having their research make an impact outside of academia, engagement is critical. Attendees who are interested in making an impact will identify the skills required to be an engaged research. The session will also help you reflect on your role as a researcher and your role both within and outside of academia.

Who should attend?

All researchers who wish to enhance their understanding of their academic role and how to translate academic research for a variety of audiences.