Call for Participation

Overview:

Research for Impact is an academic practice that promotes the development of skills which are grounded in rigorous and relevant research, and that contribute significantly to both science and practice. Information Systems (IS) PhD students and faculty are particularly challenged to demonstrate ‘Research for Impact’ capabilities and contributions. However, the current training for IS PhD students and Early Career Researchers does not sufficiently develop the skills required to become successful researchers in ‘Research for Impact’ within Information Systems.

Join us for an immersive two-day workshop titled "Research for Impact," designed specifically for PhD students in Information Systems. This workshop aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact by equipping early career researchers with the tools, techniques, and insights necessary to ensure their work has resonance beyond the academic realm. Attendees will have the opportunity to present their research and receive feedback from senior academics on how to position their work for greater impact, such as targeting ‘focus on practice’ academic outlets, professional media, teaching cases, and books. During this workshop, we will introduce the “DIMA” Framework, which will serve as the guiding structure for discussions on impact-related work.

1. Designing for Impact: 

• Overview: Learn how to design research projects with impact in mind from the outset. This session will cover techniques for identifying impactful research questions and aligning your research design to address real-world problems effectively.
• Activities: Interactive exercises in formulating research questions, stakeholder analysis, and impact-driven research design.

2. Implementing Impact:

• Overview: Understand the strategies to turn research insights into actions. This segment focuses on collaboration with industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure practical implementation of research findings.
• Activities: Case studies, discussions on partnerships for impact, and strategies for effective implementation.

3. Measuring Impact:

• Overview: Dive into the methods and metrics for assessing the impact of your research. This part of the workshop will explore both qualitative and quantitative measures to evaluate the success and reach of your research in real-world scenarios.
• Activities: Workshops on impact metrics, hands-on sessions on tools for impact measurement, and expert talks on best practices.

4. Assimilating Impact:

• Overview: Learn how to integrate the impact back into your research and the broader academic field. This session will focus on how to learn from the impact achieved and how to use these insights to inform future research.
• Activities: Roundtable discussions on feedback loops, seminars on incorporating impact findings into ongoing research, and strategies for disseminating impact achievements.

Key Dates and Information to know