Sponsored by: MIT IMPACT Program

In IMPACT, we challenge researchers to consider (and articulate) why their work matters in such a way that anyone (with a scientific background) can understand. By articulating their research story, it helps to focus the research concepts; by focusing on the concepts, it is easier to articulate the story.

The IMPACT fellows — PhD students and postdocs from all around the Boston area from all areas of health research, and the IMPACT faculty — a diverse group from academia, medicine, and business —meet about 10 times over the course of a semester.

In large and small groups, the fellows present their work, and the group helps them think through the paths that could lead their work to impact.

IMPACT fellows also meet (on their own, with program guidance) with ‘stakeholders’ — people who might use the results of their work — who help the fellows refine how they view their work, its potential impact, and what it might take to get there.

The fellows also are paired with ‘professional development advisors’ — mentors to help them think through career paths.

Through this process, the IMPACT fellows gain a better understanding of their projects and goals  as well as a better ability to communicate those to diverse audiences.

Fellows who have gone through the IMPACT program say that they’ve gained a clearer view of their research and its path to impact, an improved ability to explain their work to diverse audiences verbally and in written proposals and manuscripts, comfort with approaching stakeholders about their work, a better understanding of career paths, and a large and supportive network of professionals.

Details

• Recruiting for Spring 2019 is open. Applications are due December 17, 2018.

For more information, and to apply, visit the IMPACT website.