Specialist support and training for impactful research
Access a support network of specialist staff for research impact-related training, guidance and events.
If you are designing a research project or developing a research grant application, you will need a clear understanding of the potential research impact and how it can be achieved.
You may also need support in identifying and engaging non-academic research partners, including industry, policymakers, non-government organisations, iwi, and community groups.
The University has specialists who can help you in different areas related to research impact. See below for a list of contacts for advice or support in each area.
Research Impact Team - Te Puna Tiketike | Research and Innovation Office
Te Puna Tiketike, Research and Innovation Office offers tailored research impact training sessions for individuals, small teams, or larger groups through the Research Impact Team. Whether you're looking to plan for impact or deepen your understanding, we can design a session to suit your needs. They can also provide advice on developing strong funding applications and on capturing and evidencing research impact.
To help us tailor the session, please include the following in your request:
- Your intended audience (e.g. postgraduate students, early-career researchers, established academics)
- Group size (we cater for anything from one-on-one sessions to workshops of ~20 participants)
- Preferred format (in-person, online, or hybrid)
- Any specific topics, questions, or goals you'd like the session to address.
Research Services Adviser - Te Kahu Tauira | Student and Scholarly Services
Student and Scholarly Services can assist researchers with tools and strategies to help share their work effectively and track its reach and influence. These insights can support your research impact planning and help demonstrate engagement with your research outputs.
For assistance, contact a Research Services Adviser.
Business Development - UniServices
UniServices can assist you in understanding the sector landscape and industry needs, communicating your research relevance and impact to business and stakeholders, and connecting with key industry partners and government funders. The team can also provide advice on pathways and commercialisation models to help your research transfer to end-users and deliver real-world impact.
If you are in the early stages of developing a concept or proposal and would like support in identifying and connecting with key industry partners and/or government, contact UniServices.
Public Policy Institute
The Public Policy Institute (PPI) was established to foster independent, critical research on key policy issues affecting New Zealand and the world. If you want to build policy impact goals and implementation strategies into your research, as well as for help with the knowledge mobilisation process itself, you can contact Knowledge Translation Expert and Associate Director External Engagement, Dr Suzanne Woodward.
Note that the PPI is an academic institute and not a service division, and you will therefore need to build collaboration costs into your funding applications.
Media advisers – Communications team
The University has communications professionals who can help you share the story of your research with the media, and through them, the public. This may include media releases, interviews, or articles offering expert perspectives on topical issues.
The University’s central communications team includes media advisers who assess the story potential of research, pitch stories to mainstream outlets, and connect academics with journalists. They can also advise on writing for public platforms such as The Conversation and Newsroom.
Faculties and large research institutes also offer media training workshops to help emerging and mid-career academics build confidence and practical skills for media engagement. Your first point of contact for research-related media opportunities should be your faculty or institute media adviser.