Assessing societal impacts of research is more difficult than assessing advances in knowledge. Methods to evaluate research impact on policy processes and outcomes are especially underdeveloped, and are needed to optimize the influence of research on policy for addressing complex issues such as chronic diseases. Contribution analysis (CA), a…

Barriers to using research in practice are well documented. This paper describes an innovative process developed by the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships to address these barriers. We supported people to define what they needed to know; how existing evidence could help; and how to use evidence in practice. An action-focused…

The Metropolitan Studies Institute (MSI) at the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) demonstrates a robust and unique record of community impact through community indicators research and other translational research. The MSI's work drives programmatic priorities and funding decisions, generates revenue, and increases the community's…

This paper reflects on the emergence of an impact agenda and its incorporation as a feature of the academic contract in UK universities. It focuses on the depositions of senior academic managers across a range of social science research centres, as they critically reflect upon their organizational strategy for capturing and communicating the…

Industry benefits from technology transfer by becoming aware of cutting edge developments, having a pool of experienced candidates, and furthering universities understanding of industry. Universities benefit from diversified funding, exposure to real-world problems, and access to facilities and equipment. Challenges include intellectual property…

Suggested are basic ways in which a system of educational research and development may meet the demand for successful R&D, from the formulation of research questions to the utilization of results. Stressed are local ownership of school-based R&D, the development of applied research efforts, and the utilization of outcomes. (RAO)

Defines effective educational research in developing countries as that which influences educational aims. Descriptions of studies analyzing educational research effectiveness, recommendations for institutions doing educational research to increase their effectiveness, and recommendations for future effectiveness studies are included. (AM)

Describes some projects of the Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development and discusses how that research attempts to effect change in the processes of teaching and learning. (SK)

Dialogue with Researchers is a research dissemination program The George Washington University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center has used during the past three years. This program offers researchers the opportunity to discuss their project with a small group of rehabilitation practitioners in an informal setting in the practitioners'…

In the United States, recent educational research and development efforts reflect an overriding concern for maximizing these impact areas on practice, as illustrated by five thrusts: development work; evaluation; fundamental research; dissemination; and attention to the process of social inquiry. The complexity of American education makes research…

Lists the names and addresses of 12 sources of research in the academic sector and describes the types of research publications available from each. (CHC)

In Australia, Cooperative Research Centres strengthen linkages between universities as producers and industry as users of research. Shifting perspectives on the functions of universities, industry, and government are driven by the need for wealth creation, global competitiveness, and optimum linkages between research and commercialization. (SK)

Discusses a study of the relationship between contributions to scientific knowledge and the application of those contributions. Data collected from a U.S. Forest Service project indicate that the impact of research and development is greater when the knowledge-creation process is seen as a response to client needs rather than when researchers are…

Three forms of research activity are defined: free, policy-oriented, and development. In the United Kingdom, structures for each have developed rapidly in the past 20 years. Present weaknesses are lack of collaboration between research institutions and the small scale of financial support. (Author/SJL)

The transfer of technology from universities to industry is discussed. Increasingly universities are being considered as elements in industrial development. How universities should fulfill this role and forms of transfer mechanisms are examined, including university administrations, and nonprofit or commercial interface organizations. (Author/SF)