This interactive session introduces the concept of research impact and provides practical tools to help researchers plan for it from the outset. Participants will use the Impact Planning Canvas to identify potential beneficiaries, pathways to impact and ways of capturing evidence. Through examples and hands-on activities, the session will show how impact can be effectively integrated into research design and practice, equipping participants with skills to plan, communicate and deliver impact more confidently.

As the sole Research Impact Officer at University of Galway, Áine leads the development and implementation of the strategy to embed a culture of research impact across the academic schools and research units. She manages the impact component of the Institutional Review of Research Performance (IRRP), a comprehensive, internationally peer-reviewed process designed to enhance research quality across all eighteen schools. In this role, Áine orchestrates the development of compelling research impact case studies that showcase the University’ s contributions to society.   Additionally, while actively contributing to the European landscape of research impact as a core member of EARMAImpact and participating in subtopic group SG4 - Evaluation and Evidence of Impact, she is also a member of the Impact Taskforce for ENLIGHT 2.0. As a mentor and specialist in research impact, Áine is passionate about empowering researchers to maximise the societal relevance and impact of their work. Through guidance, training and strategic support, she works alongside academics to navigate the complexities of research impact, helping them unlock the full potential of their contributions.