Discover effective methods for translating research findings into meaningful policy changes and practical solutions that drive behavioral transformation.
Discover effective methods for translating research findings into meaningful policy changes and practical solutions that drive behavioral transformation.
This course introduces the Research for Impact approach, designed to make research more influential in policy, practice, behavior, and attitudes. Led by experts from the University of Cape Town and Oxfam, it covers five key elements: Theory of Change, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Communication, Capacity Development, and Influencing. Through case studies and practical examples, learners explore how to plan for impact, engage stakeholders, communicate effectively, build capacities, and influence change in complex systems. Ideal for researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in maximizing the societal impact of research.
4.8
(154 ratings)
22,044 already enrolled
Instructors:
English
বাংলা, اردو, Azərbaycanca, 1 more
What you'll learn
Understand the interwoven elements of Research for Impact in development and adaptation research
Identify activities involved in Research for Impact to influence change in policy, practice, behavior, and attitudes
Appraise opportunities and challenges in research plans through a Research for Impact lens
Develop a Theory of Change and impact pathways for research projects
Design effective stakeholder engagement and partnership strategies
Create strategic communication plans for research dissemination
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
6 Hours PreRecorded video
10 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Research for Impact approach, designed to help researchers and practitioners maximize the societal impact of their work. The curriculum is structured into six modules, covering the key elements of impactful research: Introduction to Research for Impact, Planning for Impact, Engaging and Partnering, Communicating for Impact, Building Capacities, and Influencing for Impact. Throughout the course, learners explore real-world case studies from various contexts, including climate change adaptation projects in Africa and Asia. The course emphasizes practical application, with assignments and peer reviews allowing participants to apply the concepts to their own research projects or interests.
Introduction to Research for Impact
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Planning for Impact
Module 2 · 4 Hours to complete
Engaging and Partnering
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
Communicating for Impact
Module 4 · 5 Hours to complete
Building Capacities
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
Influencing for Impact
Module 6 · 2 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructors
Leading Climate Adaptation Initiatives at the Adaptation Research Alliance
Jesse DeMaria-Kinney is the Head of Secretariat for the Adaptation Research Alliance, bringing 15 years of experience at the intersection of science, policy, and practice across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His work has primarily focused on climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, and Research for Impact, emphasizing multi-stakeholder process design and facilitation. Previously, he co-founded PlanAdapt, an organization dedicated to climate risk management and adaptation, and coordinated Oxfam’s role as the lead partner in the Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) consortium. Jesse holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies - Biology and Master's degrees in Environmental Health and Decentralized International Cooperation.
Leading Climate Change Research and Development Initiatives at UCT
Mark New is the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Climate Change and Director of the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He also holds a joint appointment as Professor of International Development at the University of East Anglia in the UK. In his role as Pro-VC for Climate Change, he oversees the ACDI and coordinates innovative research and teaching focused on low carbon and climate-resilient development from an African perspective. In 2016, he was awarded the AXA Chair in African Climate Risk. His research program aims to quantify and understand the evolving risks of climate change on water and food security in southern Africa, integrating expertise from climate risk attribution, statistical sciences, hydrology, agriculture, and economics. This work includes assessing human influences on climate risk and system exposure, evaluating socio-economic damages, and analyzing the return on investment for strategies aimed at reducing vulnerability in water and food systems. Mark actively collaborates with public, private, and civil society organizations to maximize the societal impact of his research.
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4.8 course rating
154 ratings
Frequently asked questions
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