Practical Steps to Broaden Your Research Impact
Boston University does research that matters. Many faculty consider it a part of their mission to make their work accessible to people outside their discipline. But translating complex science and scholarship into something the general public can actually use? That takes time, practice, intention, and in some cases formal support or training.
Whether you’re interested in shaping policy, moving the needle on public opinion, or turning an idea into a product for public use, there is no shortage of opportunities at BU to help you broaden your impact. Here are a few practical steps to get started.
Influence policy
Put your potential impact in writing.
Take some time to identify your goals beyond the life of your project or grant. Who do you hope your work will influence? Whose lives have the potential to improve because of your research? This will give you language for talking about why your work matters to people outside your field, from friends and family to reporters, funders, and policymakers.
If you’ve applied for National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, you’re familiar with the required broader impacts statement, which asks you to describe your work’s potential benefit to society. In a recent visit to BU, NSF assistant director Arthur Lupia explained that when called in front of Congress, agency staff use these broader impacts statements to explain the value of funded research to policymakers. He also encouraged scientists to “go bigger” by looking beyond a project’s more immediate outputs (papers, education, outreach) to also consider who your research may empower in the future and how.
“Just help us envision what’s possible,” Lupia says.
Apply to be a Public Impact Scholar.
For practical training on how to use your research to inform evidence-based policymaking, consider applying for a spot in the new Public Impact Scholars program.
The two-day intensive (June 1-2, 2020) from BU Initiative on Cities is designed to equip BU faculty with skills and knowledge to influence local and state policy and discourse. Participating faculty will join a peer group of like-minded BU faculty from a variety of disciplines and gain new perspective on advocacy work, conducting community-based research, and engaging media. Apply here.
Sway hearts & minds
Attend a communications training.
The PR | Social Media team and the Office of Research co-host a strategic communications series specifically geared towards BU researchers. Upcoming sessions include a workshop on podcasting, including launching your own podcast or promoting your work as a podcast guest, and a workshop on engaging with science media.
Can’t make it in person? Presentations in this series are filmed and posted to the Research Support website.
Write an article for The Conversation.
The Conversation is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists to convey complex information to the public in an accessible way. Last semester, editors from The Conversation visited BU to talk with faculty about using op-eds and commentary to inform public debate and shape scientific, cultural and intellectual agendas.
Watch the event recording, or learn more about pitching them a story on their website.
Market an idea
Investigate industry collaboration models.
If your research leads to an idea or technology with commercial potential, there are a variety of collaboration models at your disposal. At a recent Research on Tap event, BU faculty shared different ways they have worked with industry to further their research (slides here). You can explore this handy Action Guide for Researchers to learn more, or set up a meeting with Industry Engagement to strategize your next steps.
Perfect your investor pitch.
Sign up for an interactive workshop hosted by Technology Development, “Perfect Your Pitch for Fun & Impact.” With four dates to choose from across BU’s campuses, the session will be facilitated by Linda Plano, a business coach with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. Participants are encouraged to bring a draft one-minute elevator pitch for feedback.
Technology Development is also teaming up with ARROWS to put on a half-day workshop on gender equity in innovation on Tuesday, March 31. The keynote talk is entitled “How Women Innovators Can Beat Bias in Investor Q&A,” with Dr. Dana Kanze of the London School of Business.
Looking for more? Visit the Office of Research website for a list of all upcoming workshops and materials from past events. Have an idea for a future event or training? Let us know.