Dr Lesley Chikoore
Research Impact Manager (Arts & Humanities)
It’s so nice seeing all the background work and effort you put in leading to something real and tangible. You feel like you’re making a real contribution and difference to the University’s research ambitions.
I’ve been at Warwick for over 7 years now, all within R&IS. My role involves supporting colleagues in the Faculty of Arts to develop and evidence the societal impact of research.
The best way to describe the role is to split it into three strands, all of which are closely related. The first strand is the Research Excellence Framework (REF), we support the University with the impact case studies that are required to submit into the REF.
Most of the case studies are published online showing how Warwick’s research benefits society, it’s very rewarding to see all the work we do in the background is making a real difference outside academia. The second strand is impact development; the day-to-day work involving conversations with research colleagues around planning and developing impact in their research projects.
Finally, fund management - in many cases money is needed to support impact activities, and we support the end-to-end programme management of impact funds.
Translating research into action: My path to R&IS
My journey to my current position began during my undergraduate studies at Loughborough University when my dissertation supervisor posed this question to me: “Have you thought about pursuing doctoral studies?”. It didn’t feel like the right time for me, so I ventured into the world of work. During that time however, I kept in touch with my dissertation supervisor, and we even collaborated on a journal paper that was based on my dissertation.
"I saw first-hand how research was informing policy and practice"
Two years later, I couldn’t resist the pull of research any longer and returned to Loughborough to embark on a PhD in Scholarly Communication & Research Policy. I was looking at this phenomenon called ‘impact’ which was new in the research funding landscape at the time, trying to make sense of what it meant to academics in different disciplinary contexts and the policy implications of that.
Three and a half years later, I put my interest in impact and research to good use when I started working for a local authority as a Knowledge Services Officer in the public health directorate. I synthesised insights from academic research and policy reports to enable public health practitioners embed research evidence into their decision-making. I saw first-hand how research was informing policy and practice!
Shaping Research Impact Across Disciplines
Two years later an opportunity arose at Warwick to join the Impact Team.
Over the past seven years I have developed and delivered the cross-faculty impact training programme as well as supported colleagues across the physical and social sciences, and now the arts and humanities - to develop and evidence the societal impact of their research.
It’s been fascinating seeing how impact manifests itself in different disciplinary contexts. That, as well as working with a great team has made my time at Warwick rewarding and worthwhile.
Life outside of the University
When it comes to my life outside of the University, I have a three-year-old son, who keeps me busy for most of the time! I like attending my local church and love singing, as well as taking long walks. I also love travelling, we have recently come back from a great holiday in Devon - a lovely part of the country!
