Tracking impact can be tricky because it doesn’t always follow a straight path. It’s more like ripples in water and it creates 'impact droplets and splashes' that are hard to see and capture.

Impact can spread in many directions, depending on different factors. It can take time—sometimes it’s quick (weeks or months) and sometimes it takes years. Together we can nourish impact and hopefully support it to happen a little faster.

What does 'impact' mean in a university context for the project?

Impact happens when research steps out of the university and creates real change. It’s about more than just papers—it’s about making a difference!

We focus on research that matters—whether it’s new ideas or improving existing ones. And we connect that research to policy, working with policymakers, creatives, and the third sector to spark positive change in our community.

Tracking impact can be tricky. It doesn’t flow in a straight line—it twists, turns, and creates ripples, affected by many different factors.

But we can grow that flow, making it stronger, faster, and more powerful.

It can flow far, reaching more people, places, and organizations, and it can flow deep, touching fewer people but having a big, meaningful impact. And the best part? It can flow far and deep at the same time!

For more information on Impact, please visit our webpages:

Warwick Impact Academy

Collaboration

Collaboration underpins the whole ethos of Coventry CollaborACTION, alongside and equal to action of course.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” — Andrew Carnegie

Action

Without action, nothing changes. There has to be a concerted and consistent effort by many people working together and taking action individually and collectively to help create change.

"Action is the foundational key to all success." Pablo Picasso

"Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try." – Gail Devers

Knowledge Exchange

Knowledge exchange is about bringing together academic staff, research users, and communities to share ideas, evidence, and expertise.

It's not just part of university research but includes activities like:

• University-industry partnerships
• Industry-related curriculum development
• Student work placements
• Graduate start-ups with university support

CovenTRY CollaborACTION focuses on making these connections happen locally, in Coventry and Warwickshire, to help support and contribute to a local culture of knowledge exchange and collaboration.

What are we going to do?

With your help, we’ll connect in new ways, creating a hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

We will:

• Provide webpages with project info, member details, and ways to get involved
• Develop workshops and sandpits with members on shared themes, ideas, challenges, and funding opportunities
• Work with members to identify training and support needs
• Research how to close the research-policy gap in Coventry and Warwickshire
• Host networking and knowledge exchange events around key themes