Event Highlight | Why Real-World Impact Matters: IMM Introductory Webinar (12 May 2025)
With academia’s growing emphasis on impactful research, ORKTS launched the Translating Research into Real-World Impact: Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) Learning Series to enable CUHK academics and researchers to connect their research, teaching, and community engagement with pressing global social and environmental issues.
The series began with the Why Real-World Impact Matters: IMM Introductory Webinar on 12 May, attracting around 30 faculty members and researchers from various faculties. Primarily professoriate and research academics, these participants gathered to explore how to transform their research into measurable, sustainable solutions for global challenges.
The webinar featured insights from distinguished speakers who illuminated the path from academic research to social impact. Prof Catherine So from the Department of Educational Psychology shared her journey of translating academic knowledge into real-world change through establishing the social enterprise Science and Technology for Autism Remediation (STAR) Limited. She highlighted motivating factors, such as aligning research with community needs to address pressing social issues. Prof So also discussed challenges, including navigating complex business environment, and securing sustainable funding to scale impact. Her reflections resonated deeply, inspiring attendees to view their research as a catalyst for meaningful change.
Complementing Prof So’s perspective, Ms Natalie Chan and Mr James Chan, co-founders of PIE Strategy Limited and accredited trainers for the UNDP Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Standards, delivered a comprehensive overview of IMM. They emphasised why measuring and managing impact matters in today’s research landscape, where evidence of social impact is critical for funding and recognition, such as in Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) submissions. They also introduced the latest developments in IMM, including the Five Dimensions of Impact and ABC Impact Classifications, frameworks that guide researchers to assess and enhance their project outcomes systematically. Through real-world examples, Natalie and James demonstrated how to apply IMM practically, offering actionable frameworks like the SDG Impact Standards. Their session empowered attendees with tools to align their projects with global priorities, from health to sustainable cities.
The webinar was a springboard, setting the stage for the upcoming IMM Essentials: Taster Class on 16 May and the Managing for Impact: IMM in Practice Workshop Series in June, which will delve deeper into hands-on IMM techniques. These future sessions aim to equip CUHK researchers with the skills to elevate their projects for creating a widen social impact and driving sustainable change.
The recording of the webinar is now available here. Interested parties are welcome to access the archive to benefit from these insights. Stay tuned for updates, and join us for the Taster Class (register here) and Workshop Series to continue this transformative journey!
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