In July 2020, then Dean of Research, Prof Linda Doyle, initiated a Research Impact Pilot aimed at “beginning a discussion that broadens our thinking around what research impact is.” Led by Sarah Bowman, this pilot resulted in Trinity’s first Research Impact Officers: Dr Giovanna Lima within the Trinity Long Room Hub and Bridget Gavin within the School of Medicine. This workshop will share learnings and investigate emerging opportunities relevant to CONNECT, including:

• Understanding research impact, through identification and utilisation of both quantitative and qualitative data;
• Translating impact analysis into improved profiles, strategies, brochures, public engagement and other outputs that deliver accurate stories of research impact to engage a range of stakeholders; and
• Identifying process improvements and supports to better position researchers for research impact, encouraging mobilisation of research.

About Sarah Bowman

Sarah has twenty years of experience as a public engagement specialist, guiding teams in more than 1,200 communities in advancing collaborative projects. Recent examples include setting up Trinity's PPI Ignite Office and serving as Resource Development Lead for Blue Zones, including the Degree Made to Move Grants. Sarah is co-author of the Engaged Research Report: Society & Higher Education Working Together to Address Grand Societal Challenges and co-creator of the Engaged Research Framework and Planning for Impact Framework with Campus Engage. Other recent publications include: Re-open our city and campus post-Covid: A case study of Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin (2021); Engaged Research for Impact: A Policy Brief for Senior Civil-Servants and Policy Makers in Government (2020); Making a Start: A Toolkit for Research Charities to Begin a PPI Relationship (2020); More than just characters in a story: effective and meaningful involvement of young people in mental health research (2019).