Epigeum, a leading provider of online learning solutions and now part of Sage, has launched a new course, “Research Impact: Creating Meaning and Value.” The course helps universities foster an environment where research impact is understood, valued, and promoted by helping researchers define, plan, and communicate their research projects for impact.  

In five modules lasting 30 to 40 minutes each, researchers learn engagement and communication strategies as well as how to evaluate, monitor, and evidence their impact. Subtopics within the modules include:  

• defining impact goals 

• stakeholder analysis 

• public engagement 

• planning evaluation 

• creative ways to evidence impact 

• reporting on evidence 

Led by Dr. Tamika Heiden of the Research Impact Academy, Australia, and Dr. Ged Hall of the University of Leeds, UK, the course caters to researchers at all levels, with particular emphasis on doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career researchers. In conjunction with Drs. Heiden and Hall, the course is also led by subject matter experts and in partnership with global higher education institutions. 

“Sage is dedicated to extending the narrative on research impact from one that centers on impact within academia to one that enables and celebrates research that benefits policy, practice, and the public. We understand that this type of change will take time and as an independent company, we’re free to commit to this worthy goal for the long-term,” commented Katie Metzler, vice president of social science innovation, Sage.  

The course aligns with Sage’s long-held commitment to helping science, especially social and behavioral science, to make real-world impact. 

Metzler continued, “What Epigeum has created with the Research Impact course is a tool that is both powerful and practical – it equips researchers with the knowledge and ability to make real-world impact in a flexible and easy-to-use online environment.” 

Features of the course include the flexibility for researchers to choose their own path through the content, a modular structure that pairs well with existing workshops and other training, real-world case studies videos featuring interviews with researchers at various career stages, and information on both national impact assessment and regional funding requirements. 

“This course represents our commitment to supporting universities as they skill up their faculty so they can make meaningful contributions to their disciplines and society,” said Ben Selby, director at Epigeum. “This effort can be daunting in a world with various impact requirements at the national and regional levels. Our course helps researchers navigate through this landscape and teaches the universal skills needed to design, evaluate, evidence, and communicate impactful research.” 

Learn more about “Research Impact: Creating Meaning and Value.” 

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About Sage  

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.   

Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to:  

• Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioral science make an impact  

• Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning  

• Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas