Pathways to research impact | GRTC305

Research impact today goes beyond journal publications. Funders, employers, and communities increasingly value how research contributes to society, informs decisions, drives innovation, and creates real-world change.

This interactive workshop introduces pathways to research impact – the different ways your research can make a difference beyond academia, how research value is being redefined, and how you can engage with impact in inclusive, responsible and meaningful ways.

The workshop will also highlight how thinking about impact early can strengthen your research design, funding applications, and future career options – both inside and outside of academia. 

• Explore different pathways for translating research into tangible societal impact
• Learn how impact is assessed beyond traditional metrics like publications
• Reflect on how your research could be applied across sectors such as policy, industry, non-profits, or the public sector
• Identify transferable skills you can develop through impact-oriented research (e.g., communication, collaboration, stakeholder engagement)

Mahzad Sharifahmadian is a scientist and researcher working at the intersection of research translation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She has experience leading lab-to-market initiatives in Québec, mentoring early-stage startups, and helping researchers navigate pathways beyond traditional academic careers. Her work focuses on research impact, knowledge mobilization, and the practical realities of moving ideas from the lab into real-world applications.

Charlie Gedeon is the Program Lead at District 3. He's a designer and educator focused on how technology shapes understanding, learning, and collaboration. He sees design as a way to think together and challenge what we take for granted. Charlie creates experiences that reward curiosity and invite reflection, driven by the belief that better tools help us ask better questions.

This workshop is hosted by Volt-Age is collaboration with D3.