Enhance Your Research Impact – From Planning to Outreach

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted a significant event titled "Enhance Your Research Impact – From Planning to Outreach," jointly organised by the Knowledge Exchange Office (KEO) and the Libraries at HKU, in collaboration with iesResearch. Held at the Digital Interactive Lab, the event gave researchers invaluable insights into maximising their research impact through strategic planning and effective outreach.

Strategic Planning for Research Impact

Prof Francis Ling Chi Chung from the Department of Physics shared his experiences on the importance of meticulous planning in research. His work, which often involves complex experimental and modellingstudies, required a clear roadmap. "Planning was crucial," he noted. "It wasn't just about the scientific inquiry but also about anticipating the broader implications of our findings." Professor Ling was able to identify key areas where his research could have the most significant societal impact progressively. This included aligning his projects with global challenges and ensuring that his research addressed multidisciplinary topics that resonated beyond the academic community.

Effective Outreach and Collaboration

Prof Thiyagarajan Vengatesen from the School of Biological Sciences highlighted the role of effective outreach in maximising research impact. His research in environmental sustainability benefited immensely from strategic outreach initiatives. "Outreach was about making our research accessible and relevant to a wider audience," he explained. KEO provided invaluable support, helping him leverage various outreach methods. These efforts increased the visibility of his work and facilitated meaningful collaborations that extended the reach and application of his research.

KEO – Instrumental in providing resources

Both professors attributed a significant part of their success to the unwavering support from the HKU KE Office. The office was instrumental in providing resources and expertise that helped researchers navigate the complexities of enhancing research impact. From organising workshops on effective communication to offering platforms for public engagement, the KE Office ensured that researchers were well-equipped to highlight their work to a broader audience. "Their support was not just a game-changer, but a constant reassurance that enabled us to think beyond traditional academic boundaries and consider the real-world applications of our research," said Prof Ling.

Other Programme Highlights

The event also featured a session by Dr Chang Han-wen, a consultant in analytics at iesResearch, who advised researchers on maximising impact through key stages of their work. Her advice was not just theoretical, but practical and actionable, including crafting research that addresses social relevance and multidisciplinary topics, selecting impactful platforms for publishing, and leveraging outreach methods such as social media and international collaborations to broaden research influence.

The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Ms Iris Hsu, during which speakers and researchers engaged in an open dialogue to develop best practices for enhancing research impact. Prof Ling's and Prof Vengatesen's experiences served as real-life examples of how strategic planning and effective outreach can vastly enhance research impact, providing valuable insights and best practices for other researchers. This collaborative discussion was a testament to the inclusive and supportive nature of the research community at HKU.

In conclusion, the combined efforts of strategic planning, effective outreach, and robust support from the HKU KE Office enabled researchers to significantly enhance their research impact. Their experiences highlighted the importance of an integrated research approach, considering both their work's scientific and societal implications. As HKU continues to foster a culture of knowledge exchange, the impact of its research will undoubtedly continue to grow, benefitting both the academic community and society at large.