From Research to Impact: Highlights from the “Science for Change” Event

An inspiring gathering of interdisciplinary PhD researchers took place during the “Science for Change: Creating Societal Impact in Sustainability Research” event on the 16th of June. Organised by the RAS PhD Community, the half-day programme offered a dynamic look at how sustainability research can move beyond academia to shape real-world outcomes.

The event began with a warm welcome from the RAS PhD Community, setting the tone for a day centered on knowledge exchange and meaningful collaboration between academia and society. Dr. Gerald-Jan Ellen, a prominent voice in societal impact and interdisciplinary research, followed with an insightful keynote lecture exploring the challenges and opportunities of translating research into tangible societal benefits. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offered practical guidance on navigating the complexities of impact-driven research.

After a short break, the spotlight shifted to the next generation of researchers. During the RAS PhD Grant Ceremony, this year’s winners delivered compelling pitches that demonstrated how academia can go hand in hand with real-world relevance. In addition to the pitches, Agustin De Julio and Julia Munuera Garcia shared concrete examples from their ongoing societal impact PhD projects, offering valuable insights into the practical realities of engaging with stakeholders and creating meaningful change through research. Attendees came away with a clearer understanding of what makes a strong, impact-oriented grant proposal, an increasingly vital skill in today’s research environment.

For more information on the winners, visit our website here.

Following a networking lunch, participants took part in one of two parallel workshops, each designed to offer hands-on tools for enhancing research impact. In “Making Waves: How to Design Your Impact Pathway,” Ir. Tom Boogerd guided researchers through the process of creating effective strategies tailored to interdisciplinary research. Meanwhile, “Involving the Public: How to Organise a Citizen Science Project,” led by Dr. Mohammad Gharesifard, delved into the theory and practice of engaging communities in scientific research, highlighting how co-creation can broaden both the reach and significance of sustainability work.

All in all, the event equipped participants with practical tools and fresh perspectives on how to embed societal impact into their research. It offered a valuable space for reflection, learning, and exchange, and we look forward to seeing how the ideas and connections formed during the day will influence future interdisciplinary PhD projects.