Design Your Research Impact Journey

Stage 1 of 3: Impact Vision & Values 33%

Impact Vision & Values

Let's start by understanding what drives you and what kind of impact you envision.

Who do you want to help?

Broad Impact

I want to contribute to general knowledge that could benefit humanity broadly. I'm less concerned about specific beneficiaries.

Sector/Field Impact

I want to help a specific sector or field (e.g., healthcare, education, technology industry).

Demographic Impact

I want to help specific groups of people (e.g., elderly, students, marginalized communities).

Specific Community

I have a specific community or organization in mind that I want to work with directly.

How soon do you need to see impact?

Immediate
(< 1 year) Short-term
(1-2 years) Medium-term
(3-5 years) Long-term
(5+ years)

What's your tolerance for uncertainty?

Low Uncertainty

I prefer tried-and-tested approaches with predictable outcomes. I want to see clear connections between my work and its impact.

Moderate Uncertainty

I'm comfortable with some risk if it means potentially greater impact. I can handle some ambiguity in outcomes.

High Uncertainty

I'm excited by moonshot ideas and transformative possibilities, even if success is uncertain. I'm comfortable with failure as learning.

Your Current Context

Understanding your constraints and opportunities helps identify feasible pathways.

What's your career stage?

Doctoral Student

Building foundational skills, establishing research identity, limited autonomy.

Postdoc/Early Career

Developing independence, building portfolio, seeking permanent position.

Junior Faculty/Researcher

Pre-tenure or equivalent, balancing multiple demands, building reputation.

Senior Faculty/Researcher

Established career, more flexibility, leadership opportunities.

Industry/Non-Academic

Different incentive structures, potentially more resources, different constraints.

How would you describe your institutional context?

Select all that apply

Traditional Academic Metrics

My institution primarily values publications, grants, and teaching.

Engagement Valued

Community engagement and public impact are recognized in evaluations.

Flexible Environment

I have freedom to define my own success metrics.

Institutional Support

Resources available for non-traditional impact activities (funding, staff, recognition).

What resources can you realistically commit?

Minimal
(10-20% time,
little funding) Moderate
(20-40% time,
some funding) Substantial
(40%+ time,
significant funding)

Research Readiness & Assets

Your existing expertise and relationships shape which pathways are most accessible.

How would you describe your research maturity in your area?

Exploring

Still developing core expertise, learning methods, building foundational knowledge.

Establishing

Have solid methods and some findings, building a coherent research program.

Established

Recognized expertise, significant body of work, clear research trajectory.

Leading

Considered a thought leader, shaping the field, extensive track record.

What networks and relationships do you have?

Select all that apply

Strong Academic Network

Well-connected within my discipline and related fields.

Community Relationships

Existing connections with community organizations or groups.

Policy Connections

Relationships with policymakers, government officials, or advocates.

Industry Network

Connections in relevant industries or private sector.

Media Relationships

Experience with journalists or public communication platforms.

What special skills or assets do you bring?

Select all that apply

Technical Skills

Strong programming, data analysis, or tool development abilities.

Communication Skills

Ability to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Facilitation Skills

Experience bringing diverse groups together productively.

Cultural Competence

Deep understanding of specific communities or contexts.

Your Personalized Impact Strategy

Your Profile Summary

Explore Your Recommended Pathways