The translation of research findings into tangible societal impact is a pressing endeavour for many universities and research organizations. Researchers are prompted to consider and maximize the impact of their findings but there is often a lack of vision about the different pathways available for impact.
One type of impact that is generally obvious to researchers is within the academic community itself. It considers the impact that researchers have on the advancement of the frontiers of knowledge, providing stronger foundations for a better understanding or control of the world around us. This revolves around challenging, complementing or supporting existing knowledge. In essence, this is the primary type of impact of excellent research and it is at the base of any other type of impact. Without the advancement and improvement of our current knowledge base, societal progress would stifle.
However, beyond this type of impact, another three major paths for impact are available to researchers: science communication, technology transfer, and policy making.
As scientists delve into alternative research impact pathways, we encounter reasons to support and encourage their exploration beyond research as well as critical challenges that demand thoughtful consideration.
First, through science communication, academics can bridge the gap between academia and society. By effectively conveying research findings and engaging different societal groups in the investigations being developed, academics can empower the public to make informed decisions and have an active role in scientific advancements through citizen science. These actions help build trust in science and the relevance of its funding for society. Science communication can also have a significant impact in inspiring younger generations to consider careers in science and technology.
Of course, successfully navigating the science communication pathway carries considerable complexities. Academics must distil intricate concepts with accessible language without compromising accuracy. They also need to be transparent and honest about the limitations and uncertainties of today’s knowledge, while being reassuring about the power of the scientific method. Another challenge related to science communication is the open-access movement, presented by many as a means to accelerate progress and democratize information while others raise concerns about the sustainability of fully embracing the approach.
The second pathway for impact is that of technology transfer, which can catalyse researchers to translate academic research into practical applications that benefit society. From laboratory to marketplace, technology transfer pushes the development and deployment of new or improved technologies for them to be adopted and used by people. Additionally, this pathway also offers the possibility of fueling economic development and building dynamic multi-stakeholder innovation communities.
In this impact pathway, controversies often arise around the profit-driven aspect of research and the influence that private priorities can have on research agendas, knowledge sharing or conflicts of interest. There is also a frequent dispute to strike a balance that ensures the funding of basic research of fundamental phenomena while harnessing the potential of directing research to specific applications through marketplace dynamics.
Finally, the third pathway for impact considers academics taking an active role in shaping policies and addressing societal challenges by engaging and advocating in science policy or diplomacy. This can include, for instance, providing evidence-based recommendations and insights in order to influence decision-making processes. This is relevant for obvious challenges in today’s agendas but also for issues that will only move from scientific journals into public policy in the future. Scientists have a privileged position to reflect and point out the potential future implications of their early findings.
Difficulties to generate this type of impact arise from the fact that science and policymaking are two very different realms, with distinct languages and rules. It can be tough to communicate scientific knowledge clearly to policymakers, while accurately expressing current limitations and avoiding the perception of bias. In particular, uncertainty is an inescapable part of science but it can be politically used as an argument for delaying action. But academics also need to realize that science is not the only source of relevant information that policymakers use to make political decisions.
In conclusion, researchers have several paths to translate their research into societal impact, each with specific opportunities and challenges. However, as society strives to maximize this impact, many aspects require careful consideration to balance the values of excellence, accessibility, responsibility, sustainability, integrity and desirability that are often listed as requirements of the innovations offered by science.