Exchanging best practices for impact development with ZonMw: four top tips
“On average, it takes 17 years for knowledge to become practice,” says Diane Schöller. As an impact developer at IXA, she knows what she’s talking about. “As a researcher, you must work hard to convey your knowledge in a useful way. Not all researchers have the time to do this, partly because of the way the academic system is structured,” she explains. In a full-length interview with ZonMw she dives deeper into the topic of impact making health.
Diane Schöller continues:
“Researchers have to perform in various areas: publishing, teaching, providing care, and making an impact. That’s a lot. And making an impact also requires specific skills that not everyone has been trained in.”
“To collaborate effectively with other parties, for example, you need to be able to deal with different communication styles, motivations, and interests. And you need to be able to communicate your own story effectively. For many researchers, that’s a whole different ball game!”
Top tips for Impact
Researchers approach Diane with all kinds of questions about making an impact. “But it always comes down to the question: what is the next step? How do I go about it?” Here are some of the top tips:
Start with clarity. Define the impact you aim to make, and for whom. This gives direction and purpose.
Don’t fly solo. Seek support from experienced colleagues and specialized departments. Build a team with complementary skills and strengths.
Engage early. Identify key stakeholders and potential implementation partners from the start and collaborate closely.
Think big, start small. Focus on what’s actionable now and build from there.
“And the most important tip? Persevere!”
“Making an impact takes time and money, and one action is rarely enough. So make sure that you know the impact developers affiliated with your knowledge institution. Together, we can make a difference!”
Full interview with concrete examples
For the full interview between Diane Schöller and ZonMw in Dutch, which includes two concrete impact making examples, please go to: Impact maken, een vak apart? | ZonMw.
