Research Impact SIG

The Research Impact Special Interest Group (RI-SIG) has been established to provide support research management professionals involved in developing an impact culture, embedding impact strategies, planning for impact, engaging with end-users, or playing any other role with an aim to assist researchers to maximise the impact of their research.

The RI-SIG will:

• Share knowledge and good practice (with a focus around impact resourcing, support and strategy);
• Facilitate networking among members of this emerging specialism within research management;
• Identify learning and professional development needs;
• Act as voice to respond to specialist consultations;
• Collaborate with other SIGs on activities of mutual relevance (particularly, the Research Information, Systems and Evaluating SIG on impact reporting, and the First Nations SIG); and
• Ultimately work towards developing a positive, inclusive, and supportive research impact culture within Australasia.

Research Impact SIG 2026 Series

Join the Research Impact SIG for monthly sessions alternating between Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00–1:00 pm AEDT (Oct-Mar) / AEST (Apr-Sept). These interactive discussions are designed to connect our community, share insights, and explore strategies that strengthen research impact practice.

Themes for 2026 include:

• Tools and systems
• Professional development and communication
• Health and international collaboration
• Training and researcher development
• Global perspectives on research assessment
• Community engagement and public involvement
• Institutional strategy and enablement

Bring your ideas, questions, and experiences for an open and engaging conversation. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, share practical tools, and spark new approaches to supporting research impact.

2026 Meeting dates:

• Wednesday 4 February 
• Thursday 5 March 2026
• Wednesday 1 April 2026 - TBC
• Thursday 7 May
• Wednesday 3 June
• Thursday 2 July
• Wednesday 5 August
• Thursday 10 September
• Thursday 8 October
• Wednesday 4 November

The ARMS member’s portal will be used for discussion and to share information. We expect to meet on an annual basis at the ARMS conference, as well as having monthly online networking meetings.

The RI-SIG Co-Convenors are:

• Faith Welch, University of Auckland;
• Catherine McElhone, University of Technology Sydney;
• Julie Ward, University of the Sunshine Coast; and
• Helen Slaney, La Trobe University.

To contact the Convenors please email ARMSMembership@researchmanagement.org.au

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