Event Highlight | IMM Essentials: Taster Class (16 May 2025)

In response to academia’s increasing focus on impactful research, ORKTS introduced the Translating Research into Real-World Impact: Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) Learning Series. This initiative aims to empower CUHK academics and researchers to link their research, teaching, and community engagement with critical global social and environmental challenges.

Building on the IMM Introductory Webinar, the learning series continued with an engaging IMM Essentials: Taster Class. Approximately 20 participants, including professors and researchers from diverse faculties, joined the session, united by their passion to create social impact through research or evidence-based social enterprises.

Guided by Ms Natalie Chan and Mr James Chan, the co-founders of PIE Strategy Limited and certified trainers for the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Standards, the session provided an in-depth exploration of IMM fundamentals. Through concise case studies and bite-sized hands-on exercises, participants explored the Five Dimensions of the IMM Framework, gaining practical tools to deliver credible and measurable results. James and Natalie also highlighted key “Enterprise Actions” from the UN SDG Impact Standards, empowering participants to align their projects with global sustainability goals, including healthcare, education, and urban development.

The Taster Class buzzed with interactivity, featuring lively group discussions where participants shared their own research or startup cases, gaining peer insights to refine their IMM strategies. Throughout the session, participants were actively engaged, posing insightful questions, and sharing ideas on integrating IMM into their projects. Several participants lingered after the session, engaging directly with Natalie and James to discuss tailored approaches for their social enterprises, from tech-driven ventures to community initiatives.

This vibrant class set the stage for the upcoming Managing for Impact: IMM in Practice Workshop Series, starting 2 June 2025, where participants will craft IMM roadmaps to scale their impact. The Workshop Series is exclusively by invitation for KPF and S-KPF grantees. Individuals outside the grantee network may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in joining, please contact Ms Janie Chan at janiechan@cuhk.edu.hk by 26 May 2025, and include details of your project or venture for our review.

Natalie and James were introducing IMM to the particpants. (Photo: Social Innvoation Team) 

Natalie and James were interacting with one of the participants. (Photo: Social Innvoation Team) 

Participants actively engaged in the Taster Class. (Photo: Social Innvoation Team) 

Participants acquired peer insights by discussing the application of IMM in their research and startup cases during group discussions. (Photo: Social Innvoation Team) 

Details: https://www.orkts.cuhk.edu.hk/en/news-events/announcements/event-highlight-imm-essentials-taster-class