Maximising Research Impact - 05, 12, 19 June 2025

ELAP Elective:
Maximising Research Impact: the role of Research Management Professionals in supporting impact to thrive

This elective is delivered over three (3) partial days:

• Thursday 05 June 2025, 11:00PM - 2:00PM AEST
• Thursday 12 June 2025, 11:00PM - 2:00PM AEST
• Thursday 19 June 2025, 11:00PM - 2:00PM AEST

Participants are required to attend all (3) sessions.

Target Audience:

The elective is intended for:

• Mid-senior level research management staff interested in developing a deep, practical understanding of the topics;
• Those currently enrolled in the Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP); and
• Accredited Research Managers (Foundation or Advanced) seeking to broaden their practical understanding of the topics.

Presenter:

Dr Faith Welch, Associate Director, Research Strategy & Policy at The University of Auckland

Faith has twelve years’ experience working in research impact-related roles in the UK and New Zealand. In the UK she worked in knowledge exchange and business engagement at one of the seven UK Research Councils, and later as an impact lead in Science and Engineering at the University of Bristol. In 2018, she became the inaugural Research Impact Manager at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. She leads on strategic initiatives designed to increase the social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits of the institution’s research endeavours.

Faith is the founding convenor of the ARMS Research Impact Special Interest Group, fostering a platform for research management professionals to connect, collaborate and share best practice in impact development. She has launched a number of other network initiatives that earned her an award for Driving the Impact Agenda from Emerald Publishing in 2022. Faith has a passion for growing impact literacy and mobilising a positive impact culture within Australasia.

Program Description:

Research impact refers to the influence and effect that research has on society. It encompasses the changes, advancements, and improvements that occur as a result of research findings being put into practice. Governments, funding agencies, and institutions are seeking to maximise the value and relevance of research investments. They are emphasising the need for research to urgently address significant societal challenges, contribute to economic growth, and drive innovation. Consequently, researchers are expected to demonstrate the real-world benefits and outcomes of their work.

Research management professionals play a crucial role in creating a culture and environment that fosters and maximises the impact of research within an institution. They are responsible for developing strategies, policies, frameworks, training and incentives that support researchers in planning for and maximising their impact.

This course will cover various aspects of research impact to help research managers understand local and global contexts to support their institution and researchers to realise the potential of their work. It will explore what research impact is, how it is integrated into the research lifecycle, and why it is essential in today's context. The course will provide practical guidance on how to support researchers to articulate and plan for impact, taking into account the diverse range of impacts research can have. Additionally, the course will address the challenges associated with capturing and evidencing impact, and how to begin to develop an institutional impact strategy.

Throughout the course equitable approaches to impact and engagement will be highlighted, recognising and embracing the diverse ways in which research can create positive change.

By equipping research managers with the knowledge and skills to support their institution to create an environment where impact can thrive, the course will empower them to make meaningful contributions to societal impact through local research endeavours.

Pre-requisites:

The elective has no formal pre-requisites.

Pre-reading:

No pre-reading required. References available as footnotes in the Body of Knowledge.

Assessment:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be invited to complete a non-compulsory assessment; due two weeks following the end of the elective or as advised by the presenter.

This assessment is compulsory for participants currently paticipating in the ELAP or those who will be registering in the ELAP within 12 months of completing this elective. 

Accreditation Points:

Registered ELAP participants who successfully complete the assessment will receive ten (10) accreditation points.

Cost:

ARMS Members: $585 AUD per elective (GST inclusive) - Price discounted in shopping cart.
Non-Members: $685 AUD per elective (GST inclusive)

Zoom meeting link:

Provided in email sent prior to commencement of the elective.    

Cancellation Policy:

Should your circumstances change, and you are unable to attend this workshop, you must contact ARMSAccreditation@researchmangement.org.au by no later than ten (10) working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled event. ARMS will refund the full registration fee minus any administrative fees.

Should you cancel less than ten (10) working days prior to the commencement of this workshop, no refund will be payable but instead you may wish to send a proxy.

ARMS reserve the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule courses and events due to minimum numbers not being reached or for other unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of a cancellation, ARMS will aim to advise all participants in writing five (5) days prior to the scheduled event and will refund the full registration fee including administrative charges within 30 days after notification.

For ELAP Participants:

As per the Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP) Terms and Conditions, Elective registrations are non-cancellable or refundable. You will however be allowed to transfer your enrolment for another scheduled session throughout your three-year enrolment OR transfer your registration to another eligible ARMS member. Any changes in enrolment circumstances must be made in writing to the ARMS Accreditation Program Administrator in the first instance, at least ten (10) working days prior to commencement of the Elective. Email to be sent to: ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au.

Confidentiality and Privacy:

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details.

Enquiries:

Please contact the ARMS Accreditation and Member Engagement Coordinator  ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au or +61 8 8201 5592.